African Milk

November 15, 2024 Post a Comment

African milk

The white, milky sap of the African milk tree is toxic and can irritate the skin and eyes. Be cautious when handling the plant, and consider wearing protective gloves. Wash your hands immediately after pruning, and keep the plant away from children and pets.

Is an African milk tree a 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.

How long do African milk trees live?

Another interesting use of the African Milk Tree is in tropical Africa, where this plant is used ceremonially and is planted as part of some rituals. African Milk Trees can live to a very old age. They've even been known to still be able to flower at 60 years old!

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.

Is African milk plant toxic to dogs?

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.

Why is my African milk tree turning purple?

This is part of the natural life cycle of the African Milk Tree. Also, if your plant is looking happy and healthy but turning a light purple-reddish color, you likely have the euphorbia trigona 'rubra' variety which produces the color from the more sun it gets.

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.

Why is the African milk tree poisonous?

Toxicity: As with all Euphorbias, when a plant gets damaged, it exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex is poisonous and particularly dangerous for the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, it can be poisonous to pets if ingested.

How big can an African milk tree get?

African milk trees can grow to 10 feet tall given favorable conditions. Indoors, it often grows to 6 feet or so.

What is African Milk Tree used for?

In its natural habitat, African Milk Tree (aka: Abyssinian Euphorbia) has a variety of landscaping and gardening uses. In the United States and other areas, it is grown as an indoor plant and used as an attractive addition to cactus and succulent gardens in warmer areas.

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 you drink cactus milk?

The milky sap of these plants can burn the skin and mucous membranes and can cause permanent blindness if it gets in your eyes. Definitely don't try to eat those.

Are milk trees poisonous?

Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil cactus or milk bush plant, is used extensively for ornamental purposes in the southern United States and contains a toxic sap to humans.

Is African milk tree indoor plant?

African Milk Tree cactus (Euphorbia trigona) is a tall, rugged, easy-care plant with thorns. It is grown as indoor houseplant and used as an attractive addition to cactus and succulent gardens in warmer areas.

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.

Why is it called African milk tree?

The common name for this plant is the African MILK Tree because of the milky-like fluid that will ooze from cuts or grazes.

Can you cut back an African milk tree?

In early spring, if there are any damaged stems, they need to be removed to keep the plants healthy and to optimize their nutrient management. It is advised to cut back a certain number of stems after blooming in order to stimulate consistent flowering and growth of new foliage.

Why is my African milk tree turning brown?

Curled leaves and dried brown edges are the result of too little water and over-exposure to the sun. Although this species can naturally do well in sun-filled locations, those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock.

How often should African milk tree be watered?

Be sure to check whether the soil of your Milk tree is dry before you water your plant. This will generally take a little longer during the winter. On average, you'll water your plant every 2-3 weeks.

How often do you repot African milk trees?

The African milk tree likes full sun and requires little water. If you're growing the plant in a container, plan to repot it once every two or three years, preferably in the spring.