46-EUPHORBIA CADUCIFOLIA Haines, Ind
Local name: Thor
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Location: Botanical Garden
Characters: Euphorbia caducifolia forms a dense, branching bush up to 3 m (10 ft) high and 10 m (33 ft) in diameter. The succulent stems branch frequently and tend to grow vertically. It has small oval leaves some 2.5 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in) long and 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, but these soon fall. Spines on the stipules are up to 1 cm (0.4 in) long. E. caducifolia resembles the leafy milk hedge (Euphorbia nivulia) but differs in having multiple stems, and smaller, more transitory leaves. The flowers are orange-red and appear in February and March.
General use: The latex of Euphorbia caducifolia has been used in Pakistan as an anti-tumour agent, and the roots are also said to have anti-tumour properties. The latex has also been used historically to promote the healing of wounds, and research has shown that it does indeed exhibit significant wound healing activity. The plant is also a rich source of hydrocarbons (C-15 compounds) that can be processed to produce a biodiesel fuel.