Euphorbia trigona

Common Names

African Milk Tree, Cathedral Cactus, Candelabra Cactus, Abyssinian Euphorbia, Friendship Cactus, Good Luck Cactus, African Milk Bush, Marble Column

Summary

Originating in Central Africa, the plant is a succulent shrub or small tree with upright, three- to four-angled stems bearing ridges and paired spines; dark green stems often show light V-shaped mottling, and small obovate leaves appear along the ridges, deciduous or persisting briefly; milky sap is produced, and it is not a true cactus; a Rubra cultivar exists; it forms a tall, architectural, candelabra-like silhouette and rarely flowers indoors.

Culture emphasizes bright light with some direct sun and well-draining cactus or succulent soil; drought tolerance means water sparingly, allowing the top layer to dry, with warm temperatures and avoidance of frost; hardiness zones 9–11 are typical; commonly used as an ornamental focal point, hedge, or container plant, with low maintenance requirements; propagation is by stem cuttings, and pruning helps manage size; gloves should be worn when handling the milky sap due to skin irritation, and pests such as mealybugs can occur, with careful watering to prevent root rot.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-9 feet

Spread

5-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy, with a cactus/succulent potting mix.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; cactus/succulent mix or garden soil mixed with sand, with added coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; avoid compacted/heavy soils.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (ideally)

Bloom Color

White or yellow

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green (leaves; may be reddish in some varieties).

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast to rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Cuttings, Seeds, and Air layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators and small birds