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How to identify African Milk Bush (Euphorbia umbellata)
African Milk Bush is characterized by its succulent nature, typically forming a shrub-like structure. It often displays a group of green, fleshy leaves that may vary in shade. The stems and branches possess a unique trait of exuding a toxic, milky latex when broken or damaged. This latex is a defining feature of african Milk Bush. The plant can reach heights of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), making it quite noticeable in its native habitat. Its robust form coupled with its distinctive sap is critical for accurate identification.
Fleshy green leaves, oblong to elliptical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, with pinnate venation.
Toxic, milky latex exudes from stems when broken, reaching heights up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Inconspicuous flowers with red-rimmed glands, <0.2 inches (0.5 cm) diameter, bloom year-round.
The leaves of african Milk Bush are fleshy and succulent, characterized by a rich green color and a glabrous surface. They are large, oblong to broadly elliptical, typically measuring 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length and 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in width. The leaves exhibit a distinct central vein with pinnate venation. The edges are smooth, slightly curved, and the leaf base is rounded, tapering to a slightly pointed tip. These features contribute to the plant's ornamental appeal and are key identifiers.
African Milk Bush produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are a notable feature of the plant. These flowers are nestled within a small, cup-like structure, highlighted by a distinctive red rim formed by glands. The flowers themselves lack prominent petals, making the red-rimmed glands a key identification feature. Each flower cup is typically less than 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. These unique floral structures bloom throughout the year, ensuring their presence is continuous for observation by enthusiasts.
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The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
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The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
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The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of African Milk Bush