Teke Spurge

Scientific name: Euphorbia teke

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS: location: 17° 42′ 58.12″ N, 64° 49′ 47.27″ W

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Medicinal Uses

Euphorbia teke, part of the diverse Euphorbia genus, is traditionally used for various ailments, primarily acting as a strong purgative and for respiratory issues like asthma, coughs, and bronchitis, with its juice and extracts applied as tonics, febrifuges (fever reducers), and treatments for dysentery, colic, and worms, while also possessing astringent, sedative, and analgesic properties for headaches, inflammation, and skin conditions. 

Key Medicinal Uses:

  • Digestive Health: Used for dysentery, diarrhea, intestinal worms, colic, and as a strong purgative.
  • Respiratory Issues: Treats asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion, coughs, and throat spasms.
  • Pain Relief: Acts as an analgesic for severe headaches, toothaches, rheumatism, and pregnancy pains.
  • Skin Conditions: Poultices help with abscesses, ulcers, boils, eczema, and inflamed glands; also used for warts and acne.
  • Tonic & Sedative Effects: Considered a tonic and sedative for the respiratory and genitourinary tracts, and cardiovascular system. 

How It’s Used (Traditional Methods):

  • Juice/Latex: Can be used as a tonic, narcotic, or antiasthmatic; applied to skin issues.
  • Decoctions/Infusions: Made from the plant parts (leaves, roots, stems) to treat coughs, asthma, and digestive problems.
  • Poultices: Applied externally to skin inflammations, wounds, and abscesses. 

Important Considerations:

  • Euphorbia Plants are Potent: Many Euphorbia species contain compounds that can be irritating or toxic, such as causing blisters when applied to skin, so caution is advised.
  • Traditional & Scientific Distinction: While traditional uses are extensive, scientific research focuses on isolating specific active compounds (like terpenoids) for potential drug development, highlighting the need for safe, standardized applications.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Teke Spurge (Euphorbia teke)

Common Names: Teke Spurge, African Candelabra Spurge
Scientific Name: Euphorbia teke
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native Range: Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola)
Habitat: Dry tropical scrub, rocky slopes, savannas, and open woodland margins

General Description:

Euphorbia teke is a striking, upright, succulent spurge with a columnar or candelabra-like form. Though often called “tree-like,” it is a stem succulent, lacking true woody growth, and is characterized by its thick, green, ribbed stems and milky latex sap. It can grow 10–20 feet tall and serves as a dramatic presence in dry gardens or arid plant collections. Like other Euphorbia species, it is drought-tolerant and adapted to nutrient-poor soils, with seasonal patterns tied more to rainfall than temperature.

Phenological Markers:

1. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

  • New Leaf Emergence: Early rainy season (May – June)
  • Leaf Maturity: Summer (June – July)
  • Leaf Senescence: Late summer to early fall (August – September)
  • Leaf Characteristics: Tiny, short-lived leaves appearing near stem tips; fall off quickly after emergence, leaving prominent ridges and photosynthetic stems

2. Flowering Period:

  • First Sign of Buds: Early dry-to-wet season transition (May – June)
  • Peak Bloom: Summer (June – August)
  • End of Flowering: Early fall (September)
  • Flower Characteristics: Small, cup-like cyathia (typical of Euphorbia) often clustered at the tops of branches; yellow to greenish, sometimes with red margins

3. Fruit Production:

  • First Sign of Fruit Development: Mid to late summer (July – August)
  • Fruit Maturity: Fall (September – October)
  • End of Fruiting: Late fall (November)
  • Fruit Characteristics: Small, dry, 3-lobed capsules that split open explosively to disperse seeds

4. Dormancy Period:

  • Dormancy Begins: Late dry season (December – March)
  • Dormancy Ends: Onset of rains (April – May)
  • Dormancy Characteristics: Minimal visible growth; no leaves or flowers; stems remain green and photosynthetic

Ecological Notes:

  • Pollinators: Small bees, wasps, and flies
  • Wildlife Interaction: Sap is toxic and deters browsing; explosive seed dispersal may aid colonization in dry habitats
  • Soil Preferences: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; intolerant of wet roots
  • Growth Habit: Columnar to branching candelabra form; may reach 10–20 feet with age

Observational Guidelines:

  • Best Time for Observation: May through October for flowering and fruiting
  • Key Field Markers:
    • Seasonal appearance of leaves (brief and sparse)
    • Development of cyathia (small flowers) at stem tips
    • Fruit capsules and their dehiscence (seed dispersal)
  • Phenology Triggers: Primarily influenced by rainfall, not temperature; flowering often coincides with the onset of the rainy season

Special Notes for Botanical Display:

Euphorbia teke is a succulent architectural plant and does not qualify as a tree under ArbNet, but may be included in:
– Xeric landscape collections
– Drought-adapted or climate resilience displays
– Educational exhibits on convergent evolution with cacti

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