African Cactus

African cactus

The Euphorbia Trigona or African Milk Tree has an interesting architecture and upright growth habit. It grows strong spines like a cactus, complemented by delicate, feather like leaves. While it looks very much like a cactus it is, in fact, a succulent plant and gets its name from the milky white sap it produces.

Are African milk cactus poisonous?

This plant has high severity poison characteristics. A succulent shrub with milky latex. This is a highly toxic plant; it may be fatal if eaten and also causes severe skin irritation.

Do cactus grow in Africa?

The only cacti possibly native to the Old World are members of the genus Rhipsalis, occurring in East Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Although a few cactus species inhabit tropical or subtropical areas, most live in and are well adapted to dry regions.

How tall does a African milk cactus grow?

In their native environment, they can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall at a rate of up to 2 feet (60 cm) per year. Indoors, they won't grow as tall as this, but can still reach an impressive 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. As such, they make a wonderful corner plant, provided that they get enough light there.

How poisonous is African milk tree?

African Milk Trees are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Some people experience skin irritation when handling the sap.

Is African cactus edible?

The whole cactus pear plant is edible, which includes the flat broad stem called a cladode or nopalitos, and the fruit. Cactus pear plants have been thriving in South Africa for many years.

What happens if you touch a euphorbia?

Euphorbia, also known as spurges, is a genus of over 2000 different flowering plants. These plants contain a milky white sap that can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and mouth. If someone is exposed to spurge sap, it is important to decontaminate the exposed area.

What is the deadliest cactus in the world?

Beware the teddy bear cholla cactus, the most dangerous plant in the desert. Even thick, elbow-length protective gloves could not stop Sir David Attenborough's hand being stabbed by the vicious cactus spikes, which are as sharp as glass and barbed like a fishhook.

What will happen if you touch Euphorbia plants?

The milky latex or sap is toxic and may cause intense inflammation of the skin and the eye. [2] Ocular toxic reaction varies from mild conjunctivitis to severe kerato-uveitis. There are a few case reports of permanent blindness resulting from accidental inoculation of Euphorbia sap into the eye.

Do African deserts have cactus?

Despite popular belief, there are no cacti in the Sahara Desert. Due to extremely low water availability, the only plants that grow in most parts of the Sahara are some shrubs and grasses. In regions close to oases, there might be some vegetation, like date palms, olives, and thyme.

Are saguaro cactus in Africa?

They can also be found in Australia, South Africa, and Mediterranean countries. The Saguaro Cactus is the largest cactus in the United States. Most Saguaro Cacti grow up to 40-60 feet tall. These plants are very large.

Why are there no cacti in Egypt?

Across most areas, you can find Opuntia -- prickly pear -- both wild and cultivated. Opuntia, however, is not native to the region. Cacti are native only to the Western Hemisphere, so all the Middle Eastern cacti are imported, intentionally or accidentally.

How tall is a 100 year old cactus?

By 95-100 years in age, a saguaro cactus can reach a height of 15-16 feet, and could start to produce its first arm. By 200 years old, the saguaro cactus has reached its full height, reaching upwards of 45 feet tall.

Can African milk tree survive winter?

African milk trees won't survive the cold. They typically won't flourish in temperatures below 50 F, so it's important to plant them in the ground only if your climate allows. Potted plants need to be brought indoors when temperatures drop.

Can I cut the top off African milk plant?

Your plant is called a Euphorbia Trigona, also called an African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus. It looks like a cactus but really isn't one. It is a deciduous succulent from western Africa. You can't trim any of the stems, but you can totally remove some to make the plant more manageable.

Can I put my African Milk Tree outside?

If you live in a region that experiences below freezing temperatures, you'll need to bring your African milk tree indoors during the winter. For those living in warm enough climates, Euphorbia trigona will happily grow outdoors where it can get lots of direct sun.

Is Euphorbia poisonous to touch?

Euphorbia tirucalli and certain other Euphorbia species contain a white latex that is among the most irritating plant substances described. Exposure to the sap can cause severe consequences in humans, most significantly following ocular contact, leading to blindness if left untreated.

What to do if you get cactus milk in your eye?

For eye exposure, flush eyes with fresh, cool water for at least 15 minutes and repeat after a few minutes. Seek medical attention if there is no relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines may provide relief for some people. Deaths have been recorded from swallowing the sap.

What cactus is illegal?

So why are they being removed for Trump's border wall? The sun sets behind saguaro cactuses and ocotillos on the La Abra Plain in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. In Arizona, cactus rustling — stealing or killing the state's iconic saguaros — is a felony.

What cactus is poisonous to humans?

Many cacti lovers may be unaware of several poisonous factors, which is why it's important to keep this list in mind. Don't forget that the prickly pear cactus, peyote cactus, San Pedro cactus, cholla cactus, and barrel cactus are five poisonous cacti to keep away from children and pets.