Euphorbia abdelkuri | Euphorbiaceae | Abd al Kuri Euphorbia
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Perhaps one of the most difficult species in our collection to obtain, Euphorbia abdelkuri is an incredibly rare succulent with an intriguing history. The specimen is almost impossible to collect from the wild, and is not easily available in cultivation. Endemic only to the Abd al Kuri Island in Yemen, within the Socotra Archipelago, Euphorbia abdelkuri has a very remote distribution that is heavily guarded by viscous winds and a sea patrolled by Somalian pirates. In over 125 years, only 6 research expeditions were successfully completed to the islands within the Socotra Archipelago.
One of the most notable expeditions occurred in 1967, when a British scientific expedition visited Abd al Kuri to collect samples. The famous plant explorer John Lavranos was able to obtain E. abdelkuri fruits, seeds, and several young plants, which were carefully propagated. As a result, most modern Euphorbia abdelkuri specimens are descended from the plants collected on that expedition, and recent visits have not been documented.
Although all Euphorbia species are poisonous and contain toxic sap, Euphorbia abdelkuri is considered one of the most toxic species in the family, and is the only species to possess yellow sap. Once injured, a stem will squirt the toxic yellow latex several inches into the air, and even a small amount will cause extreme dermatological pain and eye irritation. Other Euphorbia species have been used as a poison within their natural environment, or have even been associated with cancer development.
Finally, although Euphorbia abdelkuri resembles columnar cacti, Euphorbiaceae species are not related to the Cactaceae family, and only bear resemblance through convergent evolution due to similar environments. Cacti occupy the desert niche within North and South America, while the “spurges” are indigenous to Africa.
One of the most notable expeditions occurred in 1967, when a British scientific expedition visited Abd al Kuri to collect samples. The famous plant explorer John Lavranos was able to obtain E. abdelkuri fruits, seeds, and several young plants, which were carefully propagated. As a result, most modern Euphorbia abdelkuri specimens are descended from the plants collected on that expedition, and recent visits have not been documented.
Although all Euphorbia species are poisonous and contain toxic sap, Euphorbia abdelkuri is considered one of the most toxic species in the family, and is the only species to possess yellow sap. Once injured, a stem will squirt the toxic yellow latex several inches into the air, and even a small amount will cause extreme dermatological pain and eye irritation. Other Euphorbia species have been used as a poison within their natural environment, or have even been associated with cancer development.
Finally, although Euphorbia abdelkuri resembles columnar cacti, Euphorbiaceae species are not related to the Cactaceae family, and only bear resemblance through convergent evolution due to similar environments. Cacti occupy the desert niche within North and South America, while the “spurges” are indigenous to Africa.
You can learn more about Euphorbia abdelkuri by visiting the Plant Science Club webpage!
