Fauna
Plant

Fire Stick

Euphorbia tirucalli

Also known as Pencil Cactus, Pencil Tree, Milk Bush, Indian Tree Spurge

Fire Stick grows as an intricately branched succulent shrub or small tree whose smooth, pencil-thin green stems transform into radiant shades of gold, orange, and coral under intense sunlight. Tiny leaves appear briefly at stem tips during active growth but drop quickly, leaving the chlorophyll-rich green stems to carry out nearly all photosynthesis. When damaged, tissues immediately exude a copious, corrosive white latex that deters grazing wildlife and seals moisture inside during prolonged tropical droughts.

SucculentDrought-TolerantToxic Latex
Fire Stick reference1 / 7
(c) Alan Manson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Manson · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
  • Black Rhinoceros
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, root rot from waterlogged soils, extensive land clearing
HabitatsSemi-arid scrublands, dry savannas, rocky hillsides, coastal thickets
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderMalpighiales
  2. FamilyEuphorbiaceae
  3. GenusEuphorbia
  4. SpeciesEuphorbia tirucalli
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Milky latex causes severe chemical burns and temporary blindness; never touch broken stems or rub eyes.
Why it is dangerous
Contains diterpene esters that cause blistering chemical burns, intense mucosal inflammation, and temporary blindness upon eye contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for dense clusters of smooth, spineless cylindrical stems that immediately bleed thick white latex when cut.
What to do
Wear impermeable gloves and eye protection when pruning, and immediately wash any exposed skin with cold water.
Responsible observation
  • Protective Gear: Always wear thick gloves and eye protection when pruning or handling damaged stems.
  • Pet Safety: Position landscape and potted specimens well out of reach of domestic dogs and cats.
  • Sunlight Placement: Provide unshaded, full-sun exposure to bring out vibrant fiery red and orange colors.
Related species
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