African Milk Tree

3 Gallon

$79.00

1/2

African Milk Tree

Euphorbia trigona、Euphorbia tetragona

Architectural Vertical Accent • Fast-Growing & Forgiving • Thrives Indoors

$79.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The African Milk Tree is a commanding, architectural succulent that brings a dramatic, prehistoric silhouette to any space. Despite its cactus-like appearance, this euphorbia is remarkably adaptable indoors. For Bay Area residents, it's a fast-growing, low-maintenance vertical accent that thrives in bright indoor light or on sheltered patios, adding instant height and sculptural interest with minimal demand.

Features tall, upright, triangular stems with distinctive ridges lined with paired thorns and small, ephemeral leaves, creating a striking geometric form.
Grows rapidly to fill vertical space, making it an ideal natural "living sculpture" for bright corners, sunrooms, or as a summer patio specimen.
Tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions, particularly thriving in the bright, indirect light common in many Bay Area homes.
Stores water in its stems, requiring infrequent watering only when the soil is completely dry; overwatering is the primary threat.
Caution: Contains a milky, toxic sap that can irritate skin and eyes; handle with care during repotting and keep away from pets and children.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Stems & Foliage: Upright, green, three- to four-sided stems with V-shaped light green or reddish patterns along the edges. The ridges are armed with paired, small, sharp black spines. Small, tear-drop-shaped leaves grow intermittently along the new growth of the stems but are not persistent.Sap: Contains a white, milky, toxic latex that is a skin and eye irritant.Habit: A tall, succulent, evergreen shrub with a strongly vertical, branching, architectural form. It often forms dense, candelabra-like thickets.
Mature Height: 6-12 ft.
Mature Width: 5-10 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Fast-growing for quick vertical accent.Highly architectural and sculptural form.Very drought tolerant.Low maintenance. Deer and pest resistant
Landscape Uses:Architectural specimen in succulent and rock gardens.Container planting for patios and interiors.Modern and desert landscapes.Security barrier (due to sharp spines)

Q: Is it a true cactus? Can it handle full sun outside?
A: No, it is a Euphorbia, not a cactus. While it loves bright light, intense afternoon sun in hotter inland parts of the Bay Area can scorch it. It's best in bright indirect light indoors or morning sun/afternoon shade outdoors.

Q: How do I safely handle or prune it due to the toxic sap?
A: Always wear gloves and eye protection. Use a sharp, clean knife. Immediately after cutting, dab the oozing sap with a paper towel and allow the cut to callous over for a few days before replanting. Keep cuttings away from pets.

Q: Why are the stems getting soft or yellow at the base?
A: This is a classic sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Stop watering immediately, check the roots, and if they are mushy, cut away the rot, let the plant callous, and repot in fresh, dry, well-draining succulent mix.