Common Name: Candelilla

General Information

Euphorbia antisyphilitica is an erect.few-branched evergreen shrub growing from a much-branched fleshy rootstock; it can grow 25 - 50cm tall, occasionally reaching 100cm[].
The stems are covered in a conspicuous coat of exfoliating wax, and the plants historically have been harvested for this product, although the practice is much less prevalent now[]. The plant is also used medicinally and has been experimentally cultivated as a wax crop in the Caribbean[]..

Known Hazards

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - southern New Mexico, southeasternTexa, northern and central Mexico.

Habitat

Desert scrub, frequently on limestone substrates; at elevations from 100 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Euphorbia antisyphilitica is native to the arid and sub-arid regions of southwestern N. America. One report says that this plant is hardy to zone 8, which means it can survive short periods with temperatures down to around -5 to -8°c)[]. Another report says that minimum winter temperatures of 8 - 10°c are ample for the plant to survive[]. What is also important is to ensure the plant is in a very well-drained soil and is in an area with little winter rainfall.
Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[]. Requires ample water in the growing season but very dry conditions in the winter[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer and rabbits[].
This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out[].

Edible Uses

A wax from the plant can be used to make chewing gum[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is traditionally used in treating sexually transmitted infections[]..

Other Uses

A wax is obtained from the whole plant and is used as a polish, water proofer, for making records, lighting etc[, , , ]. The wax exudes from the plant pores and forms a thin skin on the stems. Most is produced in the winter and it is extracted by boiling up the plant[]. The wax exudate is around 3 - 5% of the total plant weight[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season. Leave them to dry and callus for 2 weeks before potting them up[].