Euphorbia (Euphorbia) is an annual or perennial plant of the Euphorbia family. In total there are about 2000 species, very diverse in shape, size, habitat, and growing conditions. A common characteristic of euphorbias is a white, viscous sap that resembles milk. A special feature of milkweed is that the juice in its stems and leaves is under pressure, so if the integrity of the plant is damaged, the juice comes out quickly and in large volumes.
Source: depositphotos.com
In the middle zone, the most common spurges are sungazer, cypress, vine, garden spurge, white-veined spurge, etc.
The chemical structure of milkweed is poorly understood, however, it has become widely used in folk and homeopathic medicine as an immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antitumor agent. Used in alternative therapy for oncological, gynecological, gastroenterological, nephrological, neurological diseases, immunodeficiency conditions, and skin diseases.
The main medicinal raw materials are milkweed grass and roots; tinctures, decoctions, and juice are made from the plant.
Despite the popularity of milkweed in folk treatment, it is necessary to remember that it is extremely toxic. The main danger is the milky juice, which contains powerful toxins euphorbin and saponin, which have a locally irritating and cauterizing effect.
How does milkweed poisoning occur?
If it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes, a burn from milkweed juice occurs; if the juice or parts of the plant get inside, it causes poisoning. The following situations may pose a danger:
- replanting or pruning an ornamental house plant;
- working with weeds in the garden (some types of milkweed are classified as weeds);
- independent preparation of medicines from milkweed or use of homemade products;
- eating the leaves or stems of the plant;
- playing with plant parts for children.
Is it possible to keep this plant at home?
You can keep the flower at home, but you must remember that the milky juice of milkweed ranks first among plant poisons . And if there are small children in the house, then it is better to refuse to keep this exotic plant. In the bustle of the day, you can miss the moment when the leaves of the plant are torn off, and part of the stem is broken off and tasted.
Why can't you keep milkweed at home if you have pets? Cats often nibble plant leaves. It is important to remember that poisonous flowers have no place in the kitchen. It is important to place the plant as high as possible so that no one has easy access to it.
We talked about the features of propagating milkweed at home, as well as about growing it in open ground in this material.
Euphorbia is an unusual flower. Its beauty attracts many connoisseurs of exotic plants. Its unpretentiousness in content is captivating. But it is important to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing this green pet.
Symptoms of poisoning and burns with milkweed
When accidentally or intentionally ingesting parts of the plant or juice, severe toxic gastroenteritis develops, the symptoms of which are:
- headache, dizziness;
- pain and burning along the esophagus;
- intense abdominal pain;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- bloating.
Symptoms of poisoning appear 8-12 hours after eating milkweed. Beginning with a dyspeptic disorder, as the disease progresses it becomes general. Against the background of vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration develops, manifested by severe weakness, dry mouth, thirst, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, followed by a rare thread-like pulse.
When toxins are absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, toxic damage to the central nervous system occurs: convulsions, confusion, apathy, disorientation, increased body temperature, and in severe cases, coma may develop.
The plant poses a great danger to people suffering from allergic diseases, as it can cause severe reactions, including Quincke's edema. Its clinical manifestations are swelling of the soft tissues of the face, pharynx, difficulty breathing and swallowing. An allergic reaction to poisoning with the milky juice of milkweed can be lightning fast.
When milky juice gets on the skin, a violent local reaction develops. At the site of contact, the skin turns red, severe itching, burning, local swelling, and rashes appear.
If milkweed juice splashes into the eyes, a sharp burning pain appears, swelling of the eyelids, visual acuity decreases, active lacrimation occurs, the conjunctiva becomes inflamed (becomes hyperemic, swollen), pinpoint ulcerations may appear, and sometimes it becomes impossible to open the affected eye. Blindness may develop, and in severe cases, permanent blindness.
When juice gets on the oral mucosa, hyperemia, numbness and swelling of the lips and tongue, profuse salivation, burning and soreness in the throat occur.
Source: depositphotos.com
Signs depending on the type of flower
There are signs associated with certain types of plants. Thus, white-veined euphorbia, like Crassula, attracts wealth, triangular euphorbia is capable of absorbing any negativity.
mile
This is a perennial branched shrub with a ribbed gray stem, the leaves are located at the top. Euphorbia Mila is distinguished by orange, yellow and red bracts.
According to signs, this is an ideal plant for girls who want to preserve their innocence before marriage. It will protect a woman from unworthy suitors and help her find true feminine happiness. The bush should not be placed in the spouses’ bedroom, so as not to provoke conflicts and not attract health problems and troubles.
The flower will help people with chronic diseases. Thanks to its strong energy, it enhances the body's protective functions and improves mood.
Trihedral
Euphorbia triangular is a perennial shrub characterized by thick, triangular stems of dark green color. They are covered with burgundy thorns, and the thick leaves are shaped like a spatula.
This flower protects all residents of the house from external negative energy. Its juice is also poisonous, so it should be kept away from children and pets (cats, dogs). Other signs indicate that the triangular shrub, due to the abundance of thorns, can provoke family quarrels. It should not be placed in a recreation area. The best place is in the hallway, so that the function of protecting the house from ill-wishers is fulfilled.
How does begonia give a sign of the machinations of ill-wishers?
White-veined
The plant is similar to a palm tree, has a colab-shaped shape, a ribbed trunk, and has large rounded leaves.
According to signs, Euphorbia Belozhilata brings peace, prosperity, protects the house from dark forces, helps resolve conflict situations, and protects from the evil eye and damage.
First aid for milkweed poisoning
When taking milkweed orally you should:
- provide the victim with physical and psycho-emotional peace;
- take enterosorbents (Activated carbon 80-100 g of aqueous suspension 2-3 times a day, Enterosgel 1 tablespoon 3 times a day);
- take a saline laxative (Magnesium sulfate);
- drink alkaline non-carbonated mineral water, milk or slimy drinks (barley water, jelly).
If milkweed juice gets on your skin, you must wash your hands with soap and water several times, apply ointment with anesthesin or burn remedy, and take an antihistamine tablet (Suprastin, Claritin, Zyrtec, Erius). Do not touch the mucous membranes with hands stained with milkweed juice.
If milky juice gets into your eyes: rinse your eyes with running water, chamomile decoction, drip drops with an antiallergic component (Dexamethasone, Maxidex, Allergodil), take an antihistamine tablet (Suprastin, Claritin, Zyrtec, Erius).
Popular varieties
The most popular species for cultivation are those described below.
Akalifa
This shrub is highly branching. Its elongated, feather-like leaf plates have carved, jagged edges. Flowering begins in March and continues until late autumn. The species is demanding on watering and air humidity.
Akalifa
Canary
This is a large tree that can grow up to 10 m in height, even in indoor conditions. In appearance, the plant resembles a cactus without thorns. There are small bumpy seals on its ribs.
Canarian
Bupleurumofolia
A unique succulent with a small amount of foliage growing exclusively at the top. Its stem part is covered with small tubercles.
bupleurumofolia
Thorn
Spine is a variety with blunt ribbed edges, white-gray needles and vestigial leaf blades. Shrub growth accelerates in diffuse sunlight.
thorn
Enopla
Enopla is distinguished by a variety of sharp, burgundy-colored spines that widen at the base. Over time, these needles turn gray: the older the succulent, the darker its spines.
enopla
Large-rooted
This euphorbia has a large, massive root system, bumpy, pimply, modified light green shoots. Its skin is covered with double small thin needles.
large-rooted
Cypress
Cypress is a miniature indoor subshrub that can grow up to 30 cm in length. The straight branches are covered with narrow lanceolate leaves; bright yellow inflorescences bloom on their upper parts.
cypress
Bluish
Bluish is a fast-growing species, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. This spurge has long, erect stems, the leathery surface of which is covered with a dark blue coating that resembles wax. The shoot has absolutely no leaf plates, instead there are dark brown spines.
bluish
Cereus-shaped
This succulent subshrub has a relatively small height of up to 1 m. The plant has erect branches covered with multiple dark green ribs, small, quick-drying leaves that remain in this form for several years.
cereus-shaped
Jellyfish head
The head of the jellyfish has a shortened stem, as well as amazing numerous branches radiating in different directions, which resemble the tentacles of a jellyfish. Often such spurge is planted in a hanging pot.
jellyfish head
Globular
This species grows in small colonies resembling balls (up to 50 cm in diameter). Short cylindrical leaves are located on short stem shoots. This milkweed prefers shaded light.
globular
Fisher
Fischer's is a perennial that has received the unusual popular name “peasant root” due to its healing properties. Substances with antibacterial activity were found in the root.
Fisher
Large-horned
The succulent is distinguished by three-ridged branches with deep grooves, a wing-shaped ribbed edge, covered with a continuous dark gray horny edge. From March to September the plant needs bright daylight.
large-horned
Prevention
To prevent milkweed poisoning, you must:
- take measures to ensure that small children do not come into contact with milkweed;
- do not prepare medicines containing milkweed juice at home, do not take homemade preparations of this plant;
- do not exceed the dosage and do not change the treatment regimen on your own when taking products containing parts or juice of the plant;
- carry out all gardening work wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles).
Does the flower contain poison or not?
Euphorbia is a fairly popular houseplant that can brighten up almost any room. However, not everyone knows that in fact it is considered poisonous and dangerous. Despite this, the ease of care and very original forms of this flower contributed to its significant spread.
Attention! Even a beginner who does not have significant experience in this activity can grow milkweed at home.
Ways to combat diseases and pests
There are few diseases of milkweed Mil, since the culture has a fairly high immunity to various pathologies. As a rule, the flower is affected by fungi that develop due to improper care of the crop (Figure 7).
Common houseplant diseases include:
- Gray rot: characteristic gray or brown spots appear on stems and leaves. After their detection, it is necessary to immediately treat them with fungicides. A similar method is used to combat stem rot, which affects the main stem of the crop from the top to the roots.
- Alternaria blight: a symptom of the pathology is also the formation of spots on the leaves, but they are usually small in size. Fungicides are also used to eliminate pathology.
- Bacteriosis: may appear if the leaves have been mechanically damaged. All affected parts must be removed, and the bush itself must be provided with more thorough care.
Figure 7. Disease symptoms begin to appear on leaf blades
Milk milkweed pests are more common. As a rule, the same insects are found on the flower as on other indoor plants. The most common of these are aphids, whiteflies and spider mites, although in some cases mealybugs may also appear in the soil. All these pests deprive the plant of nutrients, its leaves begin to turn yellow and growth stops. Insecticides are commonly used to control insect infestations.
Features of caring for milkweed Mil are discussed in the video.
What is it also called and why does it have such names?
Euphorbia milli (Euphorbia milli) is the biological name of the plant. The species is also classified as Spurge Euphorbia splendens.
This is interesting. Mil's milkweed came to Europe thanks to the governor of Reunion Island, Pierre Bernard Milius. The French navigator, a member of the Bodna expedition, brought an exotic plant to France in the 20s. 19th century
Euphorbia Mile with thorns
According to legend, a wreath of Euphorbia flowers of this species became the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion. Popular names for Euphorbia Mila are Crown of Thorns or Euphorbia Beautiful.
Euphorbia Crown of Thorns
Content Rules
White-veined milkweed does not require special care or special conditions. The main condition is to prevent waterlogging and drying out of the soil. Moderate watering is required. In winter, it is better to reduce it to a minimum, since the plant rests during this period. Also, this type of euphorbia does not tolerate direct sunlight. If you place a flower on the sunny side under direct rays of the sun, you will soon notice that the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off one by one.
The flower is best planted in a wide pot. The capsule in which the seeds are located bursts when ripe and the seeds scatter. If a seed falls into the soil, it can take root there and soon another sprout of milkweed will appear. In the first years of life, spurge should be replanted once a year, and then less often.
The flower needs feeding. Ideal for feeding succulents. Feeding spurge three times a month is required in the summer, and once in the winter is enough.
If you organize suitable conditions, you will soon notice that the white-veined spurge is strengthening and producing more and more new leaves. The flower grows quite quickly and can reach a height of about half a meter.
