Euphorbia ampliphylla (also called Euphorbia winklerii and Euphorbia obovalifolia) is a succulent rainforest tree of the montane rainforests throughout East Africa and belonging to the Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae). The branches are each about eight inches (20 centimeters) in diameter and are succulent and three-winged and pachycaulous. Like most euphorbs, it has milky white sap. The toxicity of many euphorbs is well known, but no specific information is available concerning E. ampliphylla. It is used locally for medical purposes.[2] It is particularly noted for two things: It is the tallest of all known succulent plants, definitely up to 98 feet (30 meters)[3] and indicated on a carefully scaled diagram as reaching 105 feet (32 meters). It is also the world's only known succulent rainforest tree.[4]

Euphorbia ampliphylla
At Jardin botanique de Lyon
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. ampliphylla
Binomial name
Euphorbia ampliphylla
Pax

As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  2. ^ "Useful Tropical Plants - Euphorbia ampliphylla". July 20, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
  3. ^ Brenan, J.P.M.; Greenway, P.J. (1949). Check-lists of the Forest Trees and Shrubs of the British Empire #5 - Tanganyika Territory. Oxford, England: Imperial Forestry Institute. p. 214 (part 2).
  4. ^ Hargreave, Bruce. "Euphorbia ingens in Malawi ...etc". The Euphorbia Journal. 7 (1): 63 & 68 (scaled diagram).
  5. ^ "Species+". Retrieved 7 February 2023.