Rubber-hedge Euphorbia
Afrikaans name: Kraalmelkbos

Rubber-hedge Euphorbia tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
Euphorbia tirucalli
This Euphorbia gives off a toxic milky latex substance when leaves are broken and this is why this tree is used extremely widely as a hedge. It is a good deterrent to stop intruders.
The Rubber-hedge Euphorbia normally reaches a height of around 5 metres or less but some specimens may reach double this height. The tree gets tiny leaves which are not often noticed and do not stay on the plant for long. The green cyclindrical parts of the tree are actually branches or twigs.
The flowers are also small and are yellowish in colour. They are produced during early summer followed by the small fruits.
The Rubber-hedge Euphorbia is toxic and care should be taken not to come into contact with the latex. The tree is believed to have some medical qualities but it is best avoided.

The bark is grayish in colour and rough
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 534The Gardener - 2021/02 - Author: - Published: 2021 - Page: 4
The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 236
The Gardener - 2019/11 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 56
Succulents of South Africa - Author: E. Van Jaarsveld, B. Van Wyk and G. Smith - Published: 2000 - Page: 131
Succulent Flora of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Doreen Court - Published: 2010 - Page: 173
Struik Pocket Guides for Southern Africa - Poisonous Plants - Author: Eugene and Glen Moll - Published: 1989 - Page: 26
Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 104
Sappi Wild Flower Guide - Mpumalanga and Northern Province - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1996 - Page: 118
Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 137
Indigenous Garden Plants of Southern Africa - Author: Glenice Ebedes - Published: 2017 - Page: 80
Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 284
Guide to Succulents of Southern Africa - Author: Gideon Smith & Neil Crouch - Published: 2009 - Page: 99
Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 137
Field guide to Succulents of Southern Africa - Author: Gideon Smith & Neil Crouch - Published: 2017 - Page: 364
A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 193