Bitterroot Restoration

African Milk Bush (Synadenium grantii) is a succulent shrub or small tree native to East Central Africa. In nature, the plants will reach up to 12 feet (over 3.5 m) in height with an equal spread. The pale green obolanceolate, slightly toothed leaves reach 6 inches (15 cm) long by 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) wide with a short stout petiole approximately 5/16 of an inch (8 mm) long. Leaves are crowded at the tips of the fleshy green branches, which gives rise to a light grey bark. They are of easy culture. The milky sap is very corrosive and can cause contact dermatitis. All plants parts are considered very poisonous. This one should not be grown around small children or animals that like to eat plants.

Synadenium grantii need full sun to light shade with a very well drained soil mix. Synadenium grantii are propagated from cutting and from seed. When taking cuttings, the fresh cuts should be dipped in charcoal dust to stop the leaking of milky sap and should be struck in sand to root.