The Candelabrum Spurge: the candlestick tree

A prominent tree in Kenya is the Candelabrum Spurge, a form of succulent. The Candelabrum (Euphorbia candelabrum) is common in East Africa along the Great Rift Valley.

Candelabrum means a branched candlestick. A spurge is a herbaceous plant or shrub with milky sap and very small green flowers.

The trees ooze latex-sap when injured or cut, which is toxic. However, some indigenous cultures mix the sap with honey and use the mixture as a medicinal treatment.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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