Euphorbia trigona
Care consensus, photos, and the collectors growing it.
- Common name
- African milktree
- Plant type
- Cactus
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Light
- Full sun
- Watering
- Low
- Temperature
- Warm
- Humidity
- Low
- Propagation
- Cutting
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Toxic to pets
- Toxic
- Toxic to people
- Toxic
- public plants
- 0 public plants
- collectors
- 0 collectors
What Euphorbia trigona is
Euphorbia trigona, or the African milktree, is an upright cactus that builds its stems in three distinct, thorny ridges. It grows tall and narrow, looking much like a structured candelabra in your window.
You will find this plant steady and undemanding. It prefers a warm spot where the light is bright and direct, and it asks for very little water throughout the year.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
The milky white sap is a potent irritant that can cause skin rashes and severe damage if it touches the eyes or enters the mouth.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI. Not veterinary or medical advice — check with a professional before letting a pet or a child near an unfamiliar plant.
People and Euphorbia trigona
How our relationship with this plant has changed over time.
- Pre-colonial
Native roots
People in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa have long lived alongside this plant in its native arid landscapes.
- 20th century
Domestic arrival
The African milktree moved from wild landscapes into global houseplant collections as interest in succulents grew.
- Present day
Modern cultivation
You likely encounter this plant as a reliable architectural addition to indoor spaces, often shared through simple stem cuttings.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Be the first to track Euphorbia trigona
No public collectors yet on collecto.rs grow Euphorbia trigona. Yours could be the first.
Add Euphorbia trigona to your collection and you'll be the first public collector growing it on collecto.rs.
Start a collectionOther Euphorbia
Species and cultivars from the same genus, straight out of the reference catalogue.
Frequently asked about Euphorbia trigona
Quick answers pulled from the public catalog and care consensus above.
What is Euphorbia trigona?
Euphorbia trigona is a species in the Euphorbia genus. Commonly known as African milktree, a cactus, and with a upright growth habit. Native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
How do you care for Euphorbia trigona?
Reference care guidance for Euphorbia trigona: full sun light, low watering, warm temperatures, and low humidity. Collectors on collecto.rs will refine this as more public specimens are added.
How rare is Euphorbia trigona?
No public collectors on collecto.rs track Euphorbia trigona yet — adding yours would make you the first.
Where can I see real photos of Euphorbia trigona?
Photos from real collectors will appear here once members start tracking Euphorbia trigona on collecto.rs. Sign up to add the first set.
Can I track my own Euphorbia trigona on collecto.rs?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your Euphorbia trigona, upload photos, track care notes, and connect with other Euphorbia trigona collectors. Your collection stays private by default; you choose what to make public.