Coveted by bonsai collectors. Makes a nice low-growing rounded shrub/tree with a short succulent trunk up to max of 1,00/1,80m tall (in the ground) but usually small in culture. Large potted specimens are pricey.

 

Leaves are caducous and shed when the wheatear is hot and dry especially in the summer month.
 

New leaves in the autumnal resumption after the summer rest period.

Description: E. balsamifera forms a rounded shrub covered with dense, attractive long-oval shaped green to glaucous foliage above thick, gnarling, terracotta colors, branching stems, with the base stalks becoming very thick. At the minimum injure it give out a pungent-smelling white latex. They are pretty variable where leaf characters and stems development are concerned.
Flowers: Single central above light yellowish-green pseudo-petals (cyathies) on each branch followed by a large reddish-green capsule.

ECONOMICAL USE
Odontology: E. balsamifera has sap (latex) which is rather poisonous if ingested, but widely used in odontology as traditionally antalgic treatment of acute dental pulpitis. The latex is an effective pulpal devitalizer used in dental offices.
Agricolture: Most of the fields in Canary islands are fenced with Euphorbia balsamifera that protects the crops from pest attacks and the soil from wind erosion hazards.
Zootechnics: The palatability of Euphorbia balsamifera makes it very appreciated by the livestock as a fodder crop.

Origin: Euphorbia balsamifera is native to all Canary islands where forms dense communities in rocky places and on less mobile dune sand (with the exception of the highly mobile sands) in the lower succulent zone.