Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

''Euphorbia antisyphilitica'' is a species of spurge that is native to the Trans-Pecos of Texas and southern New Mexico in the United States as well as Chihuahua, Coahuila, Hidalgo, and Querétaro in Mexico. Common names include candelilla and wax plant, but the latter is more often applied to members of the unrelated genus ''Hoya''. It is shrubby and has densely clustered, erect, essentially leafless stems that are covered in wax to prevent transpiration.
Ornamental Foliage This cactus is not native to Arizona but it is used in residential landscapes.  Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Uses

The white sap of ''E. antisyphilitica'' was historically used in Mexico to treat sexually-transmitted diseases. Commercial harvesting of candelilla wax began at the start of the twentieth century, with demand greatly increasing during World War I and II. This industry largely disappeared following the end of World War II due to diminished candelilla populations and the availability of cheaper petroleum-based waxes.

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderMalpighiales
FamilyEuphorbiaceae
GenusEuphorbia
SpeciesE. antisyphilitica