Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia heterophylla
Wild Poinsettia · Kisawanyemungo
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This annual herb typically grows 30-100 cm tall, characterised by hollow stems that exude a toxic milky latex when broken. Its leaves exhibit highly variable shapes, with the upper leaves or bracts often displaying a distinctive whitish or bright red coloration near the inconspicuous yellowish-green flower clusters. The plant produces three-lobed capsules that explode upon maturity, scattering seeds widely.
Where it works in Kilifi
This robust annual thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained to sandy soils, common along the Kilifi coast. Due to its rapid growth and prolific self-seeding, it is best suited for restoration projects in disturbed areas or as a temporary groundcover, though careful management is required to prevent overspread.
Growing notes
It is a fast-growing annual that establishes quickly, requiring little water once mature. Caution is advised due to its toxic, irritating milky sap and its aggressive self-seeding nature, which can lead to it becoming a problematic weed and potential host for crop viruses.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, fao.org, southwestdesertflora.com, cabidigitallibrary.org, levypreserve.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.