Sudanese Tree-Euphorbia

Naming

Some authorities further divide this species into two varieties, ''Euphorbia candelabrum var. bilocularis'' and ''Euphorbia candelabrum var. candelabrum''.

Habitat

Species such as ''Grewia'' and ''Euphorbiaceae'' are considered to be fire-sensitive and typically restricted to termite mounds instead of dominating the open savanna However, ''Euphorbia candelabrum'' has been found to be quite widespread throughout the savanna and short-grass areas of the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. This is an unusual habitat for tall succulents, as they have been proven to typically be poor invaders of frequently burned stands of land. ''Euphorbia candelabrums success as a tall succulent seems to be a result of over-grazing by African mammals such as the Ugandan kob and waterbuck and an overall decrease in intense wildfires.

Uses

''Euphorbia candelabrum'' was used in traditional Ethiopian medicine. Mixed with clarified honey, its sap was used as a purgative to cure syphilis, and when mixed with other medicinal plants as a salve to treat the symptoms of leprosy. This plant currently has negligible commercial value, although Richard Pankhurst documents two different attempts near Keren in Eritrea to collect its gum before 1935, but neither attempt proved commercially viable.

In terms of agro-forestry purposes, ''Euphorbia candelabrum'' has been used in firewood, timber, and fencing. Its wood is light and durable with a number of purposes including roofing, tables, doors, matches, boxes, mortars, musical instruments and saddles.