Euphorbia virosa ssp. virosa Willd.

• Common Name: Gifnoors
• Family: Euphorbiaceae Juss.

• Country of Origin: S Angola, Namibia, N RSA
• Habitat: Stony and sandy soils, on coastal rocky slopes, at up to 680 m altitude

• Description: Shrubby or tree-like species ranging from the Cape Region through Namibia and into Angola. Stems are 4-5 angled and bordered with pairs of spines. The main central stem often spirals but the branches rarely (or never) do.

  This species is a host for the root parasite Hydnora africana.

  This species forms clumps about a meter in diameter with a very extensive root system to take advantage of the heavy fogs of the Namib Desert.

• Uses: The Gogo of East Africa and bushmen of Namaqualand have used the latex of this species as an arrow poison. "However the latex is so irritant that man has tended to leave this species strictly alone."

Restrictions:

• Poisonous Plant Parts - Not for Human Consumption
  
• CITES Appendix II Listed Plant
  

Additional images for this accession:

Accession Data:

• Accession # 198900028
• Source: Unknown
• Accession Date: 12-31-1989
• Bench: 2206 - XER:Namib / Karoo C
• Qty: 1 confirmed on 09-21-2012

Classification:

• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• SubClass: eurosid I
• Order: Malpighiales
• SubOrder:
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• SubFamily: Euphorbioideae
• Tribe: Euphorbieae
• SubTribe: Euphorbiinae

References:

The Euphorbia Journal, Vol 1, pg 120, Strawberry Press, 1983 Horwood, F. K., Two parasites of Euphorbia: Viscum minimum and Hydnora africana, The Euphorbia Journal, Vol 1, pg 45-8, Strawberry Press, 1983 Mitich, L., The Succulent Euphorbias: Poisonous and Medicinal, The Euphorbia Journal, Vol 2, pg 62, Strawberry Press, 1984 Personal Communication with Frank Vincentz, International Euphorbia Society - 4 JAN 2006

data regenerated on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:18:44 -0400