Euphorbia tirucalli - Flora of Qatar

Arthrothamnus bergii, Arthrothamnus ecklonii, Arthrothamnus tirucalli, Euphorbia geayi, Euphorbia laro, Euphorbia media, Euphorbia rhipsaloides, Euphorbia scoparia, Euphorbia suareziana, Euphorbia viminalis, Tirucalia indica, Tirucalia tirucalli

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

Euphorbia tirucalli (also known as aveloz, firestick plants, Indian tree spurge, naked lady, pencil tree, pencil cactus, sticks on fire or milk bush) (Sanskrit: सप्तला saptala, सातला satala,Marathi : sher-kandvel शेर-कांडवेल) is a shrub that grows in semi-arid tropical climates.[+]

It has a wide distribution in Africa, being prominently present in northeastern, central and southern Africa. It may also be native in other parts of the continent as well as some surrounding islands and the Arabian peninsula and has been introduced to many other tropical regions. Its status in India is uncertain. It grows in dry areas, and is often used to feed cattle or as hedging. It is well known in Sri Lanka where it is called Sinhalese: නවහන්දි Navahandi in Sinhalese.

Euphorbia tirucalli is a hydrocarbon plant that produces a poisonous latex which can, with little effort, be converted to the equivalent of gasoline. This led chemist Melvin Calvin to propose the exploitation of E. tirucalli for producing oil. This usage is particularly appealing because of the ability of E. tirucalli to grow on land that is not suitable for most other crops. Calvin estimated that 10 to 50 barrels of oil per acre was achievable. It has also been used in the production of rubber, but this was not very successful.

AI-generated description

Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as Fire Sticks or Pencil Tree, is a succulent shrub native to Africa. In Qatar, it has been introduced as an ornamental plant and has naturalized in some areas. Studies have found that E. tirucalli has become invasive in certain regions of Qatar, outcompeting native vegetation and potentially altering local ecosystems. Its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment.

AI-generated summary of observations

Shoots of Euphorbia tirucalli were observed in abandoned gardens in Ras Laffan farms, north-eastern Qatar, on February 19, 2016. The plant was also found in the same area, with its base noted to be a significant part of its structure. Additionally, Euphorbia tirucalli was spotted in a park at Al Meshrif Street in Onaiza area, Doha, Qatar, on May 29, 2016. The observations suggest that the plant can thrive in various environments, including abandoned gardens and urban parks. The presence of the plant in different locations and times of the year indicates its adaptability to the Qatari climate. The plant's ability to grow in neglected areas also highlights its hardiness and potential for invasive growth. Overall, Euphorbia tirucalli appears to be a resilient and adaptable species in Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Euphorbia tirucalli L.

Synonyms