Candelabra tree (naboom) Euphorbia ingens
Candelabra tree (naboom) (Euphorbia ingens) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Rocky savanna of southern and south-eastern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana). It grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall and 3–8 m (10–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Candelabra tree (naboom) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 m (16–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–8 m (10–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rocky savanna of southern and south-eastern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Candelabra tree (naboom) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: milky latex, all parts
The white latex is caustic: it burns skin and can cause severe eye injury or blindness, and is poisonous if swallowed. Wear goggles and gloves when cutting; keep away from children and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Candelabra tree (naboom)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Candelabra tree (naboom)
- How far apart should I plant Candelabra tree (naboom)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–8 m (10–26 ft).
- Does Candelabra tree (naboom) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Candelabra tree (naboom) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Candelabra tree (naboom)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Candelabra tree (naboom) flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Candelabra tree (naboom) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. The white latex is caustic: it burns skin and can cause severe eye injury or blindness, and is poisonous if swallowed. Wear goggles and gloves when cutting; keep away from children and pets.
- What grows well with Candelabra tree (naboom)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Candelabra tree (naboom). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- A huge succulent tree: a short trunk carries a dense, rounded crown of upright, four- or five-angled green branches like a candelabrum. Very slow and long-lived; a sculptural feature for dry, frost-free gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cassava Manihot esculenta
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii
- Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Pará rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
- Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
- Candlenut (kukui) Aleurites moluccanus
- Griffith’s spurge Euphorbia griffithii