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What is a Milk Bush?

C. K. Lanz
C. K. Lanz

A milk bush is a shrub that is native to northeastern, southern, and central Africa and that also grows throughout other semi-arid tropical regions, including parts of India. Known by many other names, including pencil cactus, firestick plant, and Indian tree spurge, the plant can reach a height of between 12 and 20 feet (3.6 and 6 meters). The plant can be used for several purposes, such as hedging, cattle feed, and medicinal uses. In addition, the milk-like latex produced by this African shrub can be converted into a fuel that is very similar to gasoline. Gardeners in semi-arid climates also grow milk bush as a houseplant or outdoors as part of their landscaping.

The typical milk bush plant is similar in appearance to a cactus, but without spines. The branches grow in a pseudo whorl pattern and produce small, deciduous leaves. Yellow flowers may bloom at the ends of branches, usually in the spring.

Milk bush is used to repel mosquitoes in Africa and Brazil.
Milk bush is used to repel mosquitoes in Africa and Brazil.

The milk bush is classified as a tropical or tender perennial. It is hardy in USDA zones nine to 11 and prefers full sun and soil with a pH of between 6.1 and 7.8. This plant can be grown indoors in a container or outdoors and is resistant to drought. It is vulnerable to both the mealy bug and scale.

The plant is a common source of cattle feed throughout India. Milk bush is also used as hedging or as natural fencing. Firewood and mosquito repellent are additional uses of the cactus-like plant in Brazil and Africa.

The milk bush can be used in cattle feed.
The milk bush can be used in cattle feed.

As of 2010, there is interest in growing this plant as a possible source of fuel. The sap can be converted into a substance similar to gasoline. The plant can grow on land that is otherwise not used for crops, and the yield from an acre of this African shrub is comparable to that of other biodiesel sources.

Traditional medicine practices in places like Brazil, India, and other parts of Asia have relied on this plant to treat a variety of ailments. Warts, asthma, and ear pain are sometimes treated with milk bush. Additional diseases that are said to be relieved by milk bush are rheumatism and neuralgia. It has also been studied as a possible cancer treatment.

In traditional medicine, milk bush has been used to treat warts.
In traditional medicine, milk bush has been used to treat warts.

The sap produced by this plant is poisonous if consumed and can irritate human skin. Contact with eyes can cause temporary blindness, and some individuals have even reported experiencing anaphylactic shock following contact. As a result, this plant may not be suitable for homes with pets or small children and is also toxic to small animals such as rabbits.

Discussion Comments

d123spurge

Has anyone used the sap for skin cancer or pre skin cancer?

LisaLou

My sister lives in Arizona and has a milk bush growing in a container on her patio. This was the first time I had ever seen one, but they have all kinds of interesting plants that I can't grow where we live.

Many of their plants are some form of cactus, but the milk bush is interesting because it doesn't have the spines. When I was there it was also in bloom and had some small flowers on it.

She is going to need to transplant this to a different pot soon because it is already too big for the container she has it in.

SarahSon

How interesting they have thought about using the milk bush as an alternative form of fuel. It is hard to imagine something that can have so many health benefits could also be used for a fuel source.

I am familiar with a milkweed plant, but don't think I have never seen a milk bush. I live in an area that is not nearly tropical enough to grow something like a milk bush. It will be especially interesting to see if anything ever comes of this as an alternative source of fuel.

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    • Milk bush is used to repel mosquitoes in Africa and Brazil.
      By: saidin jusoh
      Milk bush is used to repel mosquitoes in Africa and Brazil.
    • The milk bush can be used in cattle feed.
      By: nordroden
      The milk bush can be used in cattle feed.
    • In traditional medicine, milk bush has been used to treat warts.
      By: Tiler84
      In traditional medicine, milk bush has been used to treat warts.
    • Milk bush is also used for firewood in Africa and Brazil.
      By: beeandbee
      Milk bush is also used for firewood in Africa and Brazil.
    • Native to Africa, milk bush can be toxic, and small children should be kept away from the shrub.
      By: dr322
      Native to Africa, milk bush can be toxic, and small children should be kept away from the shrub.
    • Some people may go into anaphylaxis after contact with milk bush, causing them to need emergency medical care.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some people may go into anaphylaxis after contact with milk bush, causing them to need emergency medical care.
    • Ear pain may be treated with milk bush.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Ear pain may be treated with milk bush.