Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
African Milk Bush

How to identify African Milk Bush (Euphorbia umbellata)

African Milk Bush

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify African Milk Bush

1

Fleshy green leaves, oblong to elliptical, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, with pinnate venation.

2

Toxic, milky latex exudes from stems when broken, reaching heights up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).

3

Inconspicuous flowers with red-rimmed glands, <0.2 inches (0.5 cm) diameter, bloom year-round.

African Milk BushAfrican Milk BushAfrican Milk BushAfrican Milk BushAfrican Milk Bush

Detailed Traits of African Milk Bush

Leaf Features

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.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

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.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

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.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

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.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

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.

African Milk Bush and Their Similar Plants

Img topic
Crown of thorns vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Poinsettia vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Petty spurge vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Spotted spurge vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a low-growing summer annual that is commonly considered a weed. Spotted spurge grows in almost any open area. The stems of this species secrete a milky sap that can irritate the skin and is toxic to sheep. Spotted spurge can be controlled by digging up the plant and its roots and mulching the area to prevent regrowth. It is naturally killed by frost.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Pencil cactus vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Devil's-backbone vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Cypress spurge vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
The cypress spurge is an ornamental plant native to Europe. Because of its strong tendency to overrun the habitats of other species, this plant is classified as a noxious weed in various states, including Colorado. Although this plant attracts bees and other pollinators, some sections of it are hazardous and contain irritants.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Mottled spurge vs. African Milk Bush: What's The Difference?
Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a spurge species native to tropical Asia, particularly in India. Mottled spurge is commonly planted as an ornamental species in tropical regions and grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. This species is also commonly known as dragon bones and is highly toxic if consumed.
Read More
Arrow
Identify African Milk Bush easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About African Milk Bush

Attributes of African Milk Bush
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
3.5 m
Spread
3.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
7 mm
Flower Color
White
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of African Milk Bush

Family
Spurge
Icon allow
Genus
Spurges
Icon allow
Species
African Milk Bush (Euphorbia umbellata)
Learn More About the African Milk Bush
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app