SPECIMEN NO. #51 ⚠️ TOXIC TO PETS Family: Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia trigona

Common Name: African Milk Tree

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a houseplant in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Africa. It is a bright indirect-light species that thrives between 3000 and 10000 lux. Optimal indoor care calls for watering roughly every 14 days, temperatures of 15–32°C, and about 30% humidity. According to ASPCA data, it is toxic to dogs and cats; reported symptoms include severe skin and eye irritation from milky latex sap; ingestion causes oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also known as African milktree.

Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) botanical field specimen photograph

ASPCA Pet Toxicity Determination

Toxic to Dogs? YES (Toxic)
Toxic to Cats? YES (Toxic)
Clinical Symptoms:

Severe skin and eye irritation from milky latex sap; ingestion causes oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Quantitative Care Thresholds

Light Level Profile Bright Indirect
Minimum Light Requirement 3000 Lux
Maximum Light Tolerance 10000 Lux
Watering Frequency Every 14 Days
Temperature Envelope 15°C – 32°C
Ideal Ambient Humidity 30% RH

Taxonomic & Field Verification

GBIF Usage Key 3067098
Native Biogeographical Range Africa; Angola; Bangladesh; Congo; DR Congo; Gabon; INTRODUCED; India; Malawi; M...
🔬 Verify on GBIF Species Portal