Euphorbia candelabrum

When damaged, E. candelabrum trees release an abundant amount of milky-white latex, which has a rubber content of 12.5%. This latex is extremely toxic due to its skin irritant and carcinogenic diterpene derivatives, mainly phorbol esters. In addition to irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, E. candelabrum latex may cause blindness if brought into contact with the eyes. Its flowers produce nectar, but ingestion of E. candelabrum honey can cause a burning sensation in the mouth that is only intensified by drinking water. Baboons seem to be unaffected by the sap and frequently consume the plant. A study done in Queen Elizabeth Park in West Uganda found that much of the damage done to E. candelabrum trees can be attributed to the feeding patterns of baboons. Fresh, young E. candelabrum branches are broken off by climbing baboons, which results in uneven growth. In addition to this, baboon feeding patterns affect the life cycle of E. candelabrum flowers and often causes sterility in many of the young stems. == Medicinal use ==

Although Euphorbia candelabrum is known to be quite toxic, it has seen medicinal use. Its latex contains highly irritant ingenol diterpene esters, which prove to be both harmful and helpful. On top of blistering and irritation, ingenol products demonstrate tumour-promoting activity, causing cells to resist apoptosis and continue multiplying. However, ingenol has been reported to encourage anti-HIV and anti-leukemia cellular activity that protects T-cells. In folk medicine, in addition to being used as a purgative to cure syphilis or a salve to treat leprosy, E. candelabrum sap has been used in the treatment of coughs, tuberculosis, malaria and HIV infections. It has the ability to be mixed with fat and applied topically to heal wounds, sores, and warts. File:Euphorbia candelabrum 002.JPG|Branches File:Euphorbia candelabrum 003.JPG|Cyathia File:Euphorbia candelabrum 004.JPG|Fruits ==References==