Euphorbia poissonii

This plant produces sap which induces pain; it is often grown in rows to create a "living fence" in Nigeria.

Natural habitat and growing conditions for this euphorbia plant:

This succulent is native to northern Nigeria. The plant prefers full sunlight, doesn't tolerate wet roots and requires good drainage or careful watering.

Notes of interest:

• The sap is highly irritant and toxic; it is extracted and used as a pesticide in local farms.
• One of the chemicals in the sap (resiniferatoxin) is being researched as a possible treatment for chronic pain.