Naboom / Candelabra Tree

Euphorbia ingens

The naboom (NAAH-boo-um) is a particularly impressive species in the large Euphorbia genus. The na part of the name probably derives from the khoikhoi word gnap for strong/energetic which became gnaar and eventually na. Boom is the Afrikaans word for tree.

A forest of nabooms creates a wonderfully otherworldly landscape.

Euphorbias occupy a similar botanical niche in Africa as cactus species do in the Americas.

The milky latex (sap) of Euphorbias is toxic, producing reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe blistering on contact. Bee-collected honey from several Euphorbia species is called noors; it is similarly toxic, producing anything from a burning throat to severe toxic reaction. Despite claims that it has remedial properties for throat infections, it should not be offered for sale, and is best avoided. Noors is harvested by beekeepers, but is used to feed colonies in periods of dearth.