Herb's Introduction Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil tree, is a succulent plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15-30 feet tall. It is native to arid areas of Africa and has been widely distributed to other tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is known for its distinct, pencil-like branches, which are its most recognizable feature. The plant's sap is a milky latex, which is toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation. Despite its toxicity, it has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments and is also being researched for its potential as a biofuel source.
Name in Different Countries
The plant's common names vary widely across the globe, reflecting its widespread distribution and diverse cultural uses. Some of its most notable names include:
Telugu: సన్న జెముడు (sanna jemudu), Pullajimada
Malayalam: Thirukkalli, തിരുക്കള്ളി, Guda, Kodikalli, Kolkalli, Pasam, Katerumakkali
Tamil: Thirukkali
Kannada: Mundukalli
Deutsch (German): Bleistiftstrauch
Bahasa (Indonesian/Malay): Patah tulang (tumbuhan)
Japanese: ミドリサンゴ (Midori-sango)
Português (Portuguese): Avelós
Russian: Молочай тирукалли (Molochay tirukalli)
Vietnamese: Cây xương khô
Chinese: 绿玉树 (lǜ yù shù)
Kinyarwanda: Umuyenzi
Spanish: aveloz, consuelda, esqueleto
French: euphorbe antivenerien
Māori (Cook Islands): ‘āmangamanga
Terminology
Euphorbia tirucalli belongs to the genus Euphorbia, which is known for its members having a milky, latex-like sap. The species name, tirucalli, is believed to be derived from the Malayalam word thirukkalli. The plant is often referred to as a "pencil tree" or "pencil cactus" due to its unique, leafless, and pencil-shaped branches. The term "patah tulang" in Indonesia and Malaysia, which translates to "bone-breaking," refers to its use in traditional medicine to treat broken bones, although this practice is not scientifically validated and can be dangerous due to the plant's toxicity.
Availability
Euphorbia tirucalli is widely available in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant. It is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in arid conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. The plant is also found in botanical gardens and nurseries specializing in succulents. Its ease of propagation from cuttings ensures its widespread availability. However, it is important to note that due to its toxic nature, it should be handled with care and kept away from children and pets.
External Look
Euphorbia tirucalli is a striking plant with a unique, somewhat skeletal appearance. Its main characteristic is the dense network of succulent, cylindrical branches that resemble pencils. These branches are a vibrant green when young, maturing to a grayish-brown. The plant's leaves are small, deciduous, linear-oblong, and typically only 5-10 mm long, appearing mostly on the tips of new growth and falling off quickly, giving the plant its leafless look. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish flowers (cyathia) at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, globose capsule. The entire plant, when cut or damaged, exudes a white, milky, and highly corrosive latex.
Healing Properties
Despite its toxicity, Euphorbia tirucalli has a history of use in traditional medicine. The milky latex has been applied topically to treat warts, calluses, and ringworm due to its caustic properties. In some cultures, it has been used internally to treat various ailments, including asthma, coughs, and even cancer. However, the scientific evidence for these uses is limited, and the potential for severe side effects due to the latex's toxicity is very high. Modern research has focused on isolating specific compounds from the plant. Some studies have identified diterpenes and other compounds with potential anti-cancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. However, these are early-stage research findings, and using the plant directly for medicinal purposes without proper scientific supervision is extremely dangerous.
Advantages
Drought Tolerance: Euphorbia tirucalli is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens, as it requires minimal irrigation once established.
Low Maintenance: It is a hardy plant that can withstand a variety of soil types and requires little to no care.
Ornamental Value: Its unique, architectural form makes it a popular choice for modern and minimalist garden designs.
Potential for Biofuel: Research has shown that the plant's sap can be converted into a type of crude oil, making it a potential source for renewable energy.
Uses
Ornamental: The primary use of Euphorbia tirucalli in modern times is as an ornamental plant in gardens, landscapes, and as a houseplant.
Traditional Medicine: It has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, though this use is highly risky due to the plant's toxicity.
Biofuel Research: The plant is being studied for its potential to produce hydrocarbons for biofuel.
Pest Control: The latex has been used as a natural insecticide and molluscicide in some regions.
Using Way
It is crucial to emphasize that the internal or external use of Euphorbia tirucalli for medicinal purposes is highly risky and not recommended without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The plant's latex is a severe irritant and can cause blistering on the skin, and blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, burning of the mouth and throat, and other systemic toxic effects. If one is to handle the plant, it is essential to wear protective gloves and eye protection. All tools used for pruning should be thoroughly cleaned afterward.
Conclusion
Euphorbia tirucalli, the pencil tree, is a fascinating and complex plant. While it holds significant ornamental value due to its unique and sculptural form, its potential as a biofuel source, and a history of use in traditional medicine, its toxic nature cannot be overstated. The plant's milky latex is a potent irritant and must be handled with extreme caution. The scientific community is exploring the plant's potential for medicinal and energy applications, but these are still in the research phase. For the average individual, Euphorbia tirucalli is best appreciated as a beautiful, low-maintenance ornamental plant, and its use for any other purpose should be approached with great care and professional advice.
