Euphorbia kamerunica
|
|
Euphorbia kamerunica Common Names: Fence Cactus, Kamerun Spurge Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Tribe: Euphorbieae Subtribe: Euphorbiinae Genus: Euphorbia Species: E. kamerunica Binomial Name: Euphorbia kamerunica Pax Synonyms: Euphorbia barteri N.E.Br., Euphorbia kamerunica
var. barteri (N.E.Br.) A.Chev. Morphological Description Euphorbia kamerunica is a succulent perennial shrub, typically 1–2 m tall, with a
columnar growth habit. Key features include: · Stems: Thick, fleshy, green to grayish-green, 3–6 cm thick,
cylindrical with 5–8 ridges, spineless or with small tubercles · Leaves: Reduced to minute scales, 1–3 mm, deciduous, rarely
persistent · Flowers: Small, yellow-green, 3–5 mm, in cyathial clusters at stem
tips, surrounded by colorful bracts (yellow to reddish) · Latex: White, milky, copious when cut Its fence-like growth
makes it a natural barrier (Blench, 2017). Distribution and Habitat Euphorbia kamerunica thrives in: · Native Range: Central and West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Ghana) · Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, rocky hillsides, forest edges;
200–1,200 m altitude · Soil/Climate: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; semi-arid to tropical,
600–1,500 mm rainfall It adapts to dry
conditions via succulence (PROTA, 2019). Ethnopharmacology Euphorbia kamerunica is traditionally used for fencing due to its
spiny structure and toxic sap, deterring animals.The Fali people of northern
Cameroon have historically utilized its sap for crafting poison arrows.
Additionally, the Berom people employ the plant to create musical instruments,
specifically a scraper known as gwák or gwàshák. While Euphorbia kamerunica is primarily recognized for these
applications, other species within the Euphorbia genus have documented
medicinal uses, such as treating infections and serving as purgatives. However,
specific medicinal properties of Euphorbia kamerunica remain underexplored and
warrant further research. The plant’s toxicity is well-recognized. Its latex is
a skin irritant and hazardous to humans and livestock, with cocarcinogenic
properties noted in studies. Extracts from E.
kamerunica have demonstrated antifungal properties against various fungi,
including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus
flavus, Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum canis var. distortum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. nodulare. Traditional uses
include: · Snakebites/Scorpion Stings: Cameroonian topical use; reduces venom
effects in rats (50% at 200 mg/kg) (Mwine & Van Damme, 2011). · Umbilical Cord Care: Ghanaian application aids cord drop-off;
antiseptic properties noted (Ernst et al., 2015). · Warts: Nigerian remedy; cytotoxic effects observed in vitro (Shi et
al., 2008). · Purgative/Anthelmintic: Gabonese use latex in small doses;
laxative effect in mice (PROTA, 2019). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Latex is highly irritant to skin/eyes; ingestion
causes vomiting, diarrhea (LD₅₀ ~1,800 mg/kg in rats) (Mwine & Van Damme,
2011). Used by Fali people in Cameroon as poison for arrows. Additional Information · Cultural Use: Planted as a living fence in Nigeria; Fali use sap for
poison arrows (Blench, 2017; Castagnou et al., 1965). · Ecological Role: Stabilizes soil in savannas; rarely grazed
due to toxicity (PROTA, 2019). · Ornamental Value: Cultivated for its cactus-like form (Shi
et al., 2008). References
External Links More Pictures
|
|
| Compounds of Euphorbia kamerunica | |
| References |
