Euphorbia thomsoniana

Physical Characteristics

Euphorbia thomsoniana is a ANNUAL. 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

E. Asia - Himalayas in Afghanistan, Kashmir, Pakistan and Tibet.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Purgative The rootstock is crushed and used as a purgative[61, 240].

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].