Caustic Weed

Euphorbia drummondii

Physical Characteristics

Euphorbia drummondii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Australia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Skin Antirheumatic, astringent, skin[152].

Known Hazards

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[214].