Euphorbium Officinale

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms: Euphorbia sansalvador
Common Names: Resin Spurge, Wolf’s Milk, Gum Euphorbium
Origin: Native to Morocco, particularly on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh.

Cultivation:

Euphorbium officinale is widely cultivated for its hardiness and ease of care. Popular in gardens and available at garden centers, it thrives both in open ground (in mild climates) and containers. It prefers well-draining, mineral-rich potting soil but is tolerant of various soil types.

In summer, it requires moderate watering and feeding, while in its dormant season, it tolerates cold fairly well. The plant benefits from full sun, which helps maintain its compact, healthy growth, though tolerance to intense sunlight may vary between plant clones.

Description:

• Growth Habit: A dense, multi-stemmed, cushion-shaped succulent shrub growing up to 60 cm tall and spreading as wide as 2 meters.

• Stems: Erect, fleshy, and typically four-sided (almost square in cross-section), resembling a cactus. The color varies from light green to a bluish glaucous hue depending on sun exposure.

• Spines: Short, brown, sharp spines occur in pairs, about 6 mm long, spaced roughly 1 cm apart along the ridges of the stems.

Therapeutic Uses:

Though highly irritant to the skin and mucous membranes, Euphorbium officinale has been historically valued for its medicinal effects, particularly in:

• Respiratory Conditions: Especially useful in managing asthma, where it helps clear congested airways.

• Skin Disorders: Applied for chronic skin conditions presenting with burning and irritation.

• Pain Management: Noted for alleviating severe burning pains associated with conditions like cancer and deep bone pain.

• Neurological Symptoms: Used traditionally for paralytic weakness in joints and limbs.

• Visual Disturbances: Characterized by a peculiar symptom where objects appear larger than they actually are.

Caution: The plant is toxic and must be handled carefully, as it can cause skin irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes.