Euphorbia Ingens for Landscaping

AI Overview
Euphorbia ingens, or naboom, is a large, tree-like succulent with a thick, dark green trunk and a rounded, hot-air balloon-shaped crown. Its branches are winged and ribbed, featuring spines on the margins. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers and reddish-purple fruit, attracts pollinators and birds for nesting, and is known for its drought resistance and ability to thrive in well-drained soil. A key characteristic is its highly toxic, poisonous milky sap that causes severe skin irritation.  
Appearance
Size and Shape: 
A massive, tree-like succulent that can grow up to 12 meters tall, with a distinctive, dense crown shaped like a hot-air balloon. 
Stems: 
Thick, dark green, and have prominent wing-like angles or ridges, with paired spines along the wing margins. 
Flowers: 
Small, yellow-green, and clustered around the spines, blooming in the autumn to winter months. 
Fruit: 
A round, 3-lobed, reddish-purple capsule that develops after the flowers. 
Sap: 
When the plant is damaged, it exudes a milky sap which is poisonous and can cause extreme skin irritation. 
Habitat and Distribution
Habitat: 
Found in the savanna biome, often on rocky outcrops or in deep sand within bushveld vegetation. 
Distribution: 
Native to southern and eastern Africa, including South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other tropical African countries. 
Ecological Role and Uses
Wildlife: Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. The fruit and seeds are food for wildlife, and the tree is a preferred nesting site for birds. 
Wood: The light, tough wood is used for making planks and doors. 
Living Fence: It is sometimes used as a living fence in its native environment. 
Care and Growing Conditions 
Light: Prefers full sun to semi-shade.
Soil: Requires extremely well-drained soil.
Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-resistant and suitable for dry areas.