Poison Beauty Euphorbia lactea cristata Dragon Bone

The poison beauty Euphorbia lactea cristata looks more than surrealistic art
or a masterpiece of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926),
than a tropical plant. Because of its strange look,
the Euphorbia lactea cristata is also called dragon bone,
candelabra cactus or elk horn.
The cactus-like Euphorbia lactea cristata is endemic to India,
but is very well-liked in Thailand,
where growers produce more and more hybrids.

Our young and skilled photographer Gosantor “Chocolate” Salie,
made the pictures of this 2 different Euphorbia lactea cristata plants,
at an orchid festival in Chiang Mai, North Thailand.

Photographer: Posantor “Chocolate” Saelie
© Thailand Art Photography

The Euphorbia lactea cristata is also a well-liked house plant around the world,
but one shouldn´t forget that the plant, while injured, is bleeding away
a poisonous, latex-like juice.
This latex-like Milk causes, if swallowed, diarrhoea, stomach convulsions
and vomating. With skin contact it causes swellings
and with sensitive people it could cause also heavy allergic reactions.
If You got contact with the poisinous latex milk,
wash it immediatly with cold water,
while dried, You will have the only chance o remove the juice
with an emulsion of milk and skin cream.

Photographer: Posantor “Chocolate” Saelie
© Thailand Art Photography

In our eyes, the tropical poison beauty Euphorbia lactea cristata
is a real masterpiece of art in nature.