| Presidio Park Plant Survey |
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Encyclopedia | Parish Rye - 2018 Survey | A Historical Reference | Historic Surveys |
Euphorbia tirucalli PENCIL TREE
This Euphorbia has exceptionally toxic latex that can cause painful rashes to skin and even temporary blindness if rubbed into the eyes. It has a unique formation. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Euphorbia tirucalli is most likely native to central east African countries. This is a hydrocarbon plant where with the latex or sap of the plant, it can chemically be converted into a gasoline-like equivalent. Famed U.S. Chemist Melvin Calvin proposed in the mid 1900s that 10-50 barrels per acre were possible. |
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