Euphorbia lactea

Euphorbia lactea is a species of spurge native to arid and subtropical regions of South Asia, mainly the Indian Subcontinent.[3]

It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, with succulent branches 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short, permanent spines up to 5 millimetres (0.20 in) long. The leaves are minute, and soon deciduous.[3] All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex, containing several irritating alkaloids, such as phorbol.[4] Common names include mottled spurge,[5] frilled fan, elkhorn, candelabra spurge,[5] candelabrum tree, candelabra cactus, candelabra plant, dragon bones,[5] false cactus,[5] hatrack cactus,[5] milkstripe euphorbia, mottled candlestick.

It is used medicinally in India.[6] It is widely grown as an ornamental plant, both in the tropics, and as a houseplant in temperate regions; a number of cultivars have been selected for ornamental use, notably 'Cristata' with frilled branching.[3][7]