Euphorbia tithymaloides
| Redbird cactus | ||||||||||||||||||||
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 green leaf var. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Euphorbia tithymaloides L. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Euphorbia tithymaloides (Redbird cactus or Devil's backbone; syn. Pedilanthus tithymaloides) is a succulent spurge. In the wild, it grows in North America and Central America, but it is also kept as a houseplant. The cyathia bracts of Euphorbia tithymaloides are pinkish-red of colour, and resemble small birds, whence its name. It has distinctive zig-zag stems, and comes in both green and variegated forms. Leaves are pointed ovals about 2 inches long. They can grow to about 6 feet tall.
In Perú, it is called cimora misha and is sometimes added to psychedelic brews made from mescaline-containing Trichocereus cacti. Its pharmacology is unknown.