Please do not plant these and if you already have one get rid of it
My lawn man got some sap in his eye and it was beat red and burning. He washed it out with water and washed his hands well., after I told him about handling this toxic plant, talked to him later and he said his eye was not burning and felt ok now.
Where it lives:
- It is originally from Eastern and South Africa but has adapted all over the world.
- In some areas, such as Brazil, it is grown it as a fence. It is very effective as a fence b/c no one wants to touch the thing.
- The plant grows very well in dry environments.
- Some websites discuss how the plant can be trained and shaped. But that requires putting yourself in major danger. My advice is to stay clear and don’t touch it.
- The sap is the big problem and is extremely toxic.
- It causes burns, and can cause blindness if it gets in the eyes.
- I have also read some articles implicating the plant as a cause of an aggressive type of lymphoma. This cancer may in part be a result of ingesting the sap as part of folk “herbal remedies.”
- More acutely, many have died after a minimal amount of sap ingestion.
Where is it now?:
- I never really noticed the plant before, but now I see it everywhere.
- I have seen smaller potted Euphorbia tirucalli plants for sale at most major home improvement/garden stores. However, I have not seen a warning label on any of the plants. In fact, in one nationwide-chain home improvement a plant pamphlet in the garden center talked about the benefits and care for the plants they sell and not a word about this dangerous plant that was profiled on its own page. Truly amazing and irresponsible.
- So beware, stay away and keep it from kids and animals.
- If you must have it, don’t plant this thing in your yard. It grows fast, is dangerous and hard to get rid of. Now I have a big Euphorbia tirucalli from a previous home owner and no one wants to remove it.
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