Succulent: Candelabra tree (Euphorbia cooperi)

[fevertree]

It is a small specimen of Euphorbia cooperi, the Transvaal Candelabra tree. Often seen on the koppies in the park.
It is the same family as the Tamboti tree and the well known Poinsettia that we see at Xmas time.

[fevertree]

Forgot to mention. All Euphorbias have a poisonous milky latex in its sap, often used as fish poison.
P.S. There are no indigenous cactus species in Africa. They are limited to the americas. The structure of this plant is that its leaves are modified and thickened to photosynthesize and store moisture.
Cacti have spines and not modified leaves.

[Krokodile]

Isn't that also known as the Naboom, in Afrikaans, or is that something else?

They seem to be more common the further north you travel. Plenty over the Soutpansberg and Mapungubwe was full of them.

If Euphorbias over there are anything like the ones over here, the latex can also cause light sensitivity (i.e get it on you and you'll burn!)

[Bosnimf]

Isn't that also known as the Naboom, in Afrikaans, or is that something else?

It is actually called a Transvaalse kandelaarnaboom in afrikaans, the Naboom is Euphorbia ingens, but atleast you were damn close

[fevertree]

This particular group of Euphorbias, the Candelabra trees are interesting in that they are restricted in distribution to Africa ( there are however many members of the Euphorbia Genus and Family throughout the world). They prefer rocky situations becasue of reduced competition with other plant species, but will grow in deep well drained soil if planted there. There normal distribution agents are birds. The succulent stems are poisonous to most wildlife species with the exception of black rhinos and porcupines.
They are great for attracting bees when in flower.
Although they look cactus like, they are definitely not even closely related.
Some Euphorbias are extremely rare, and I think the majority of species are protected by law (may stand under correction on this one, but something here rings a bell).

[JYG]

Euphorbia ingens or Euphorbia cooperi ?
I took this pictures in a camp of Kruger National Park (Satara) in october.
Thanks in advance.

[Imberbe]

I think that this is Euphorbia cooperi (candelabra).

When you look at the adult trees of the two species there is quite a different look to them. Ingens does not shed its lower branches, causing it to give a much more massif look, it is also a bigger tree. The branches goes up and also often split, causing a dense look.

Cooperi sheds its bottom branches, leaving a tall central trunk. Branches split at the top, and first goes side ways before going up. Its a more open structure. The name "candelabra" is quite descriptive.

Also looking at the thorns on the edge of the branch: cooperi has a continuous ridge (grey) with thorns, while with ingens the ridge is "broken" (green) between the thorns.