Excoecaria spp.

blind-your-eye

Euphorbiaceae

Old World tropics (Asia, Africa, northern Australia, Pacific)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Excoecaria spp. is a genus of about 35 to 40 species of evergreen shrubs and trees in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, distributed through the tropics of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific. All parts contain a milky white latex that is strongly caustic; contact with skin causes blistering and irritation, and the latex of E. agallocha can cause temporary blindness if it reaches the eyes, the source of the common name blind-your-eye. Plants range from 3 to 50 feet (1-15 m) tall, from low ornamental shrubs to mangrove trees. Leaves are alternate or opposite, simple, and often glossy; in E. cochinchinensis they are green above and red to purple beneath, the trait grown for in gardens. The flowers are small and without petals, carried in slender catkin-like spikes, with male and female flowers usually on separate plants. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that splits to release its seeds. E. agallocha grows in mangroves and coastal swamps, while the ornamental shrub species occur in tropical forest understory. The genus needs a warm, frost-free climate. Cold below freezing kills or severely damages the plants, restricting outdoor culture to the tropics and subtropics.

Native Range

Excoecaria spp. is native to the Old World tropics, ranging across South and South-East Asia, tropical Africa, northern Australia, and Pacific islands, in habitats from coastal mangroves to inland forest.

Suggested Uses

The coloured-leaved species are grown in tropical foliage beds, shrub borders, and large containers, including indoors in bright light. E. agallocha is part of mangrove and coastal ecosystems within its native range. Placement away from paths and play areas is usual because of the caustic latex.

How to Identify

Recognised by simple glossy leaves and a milky white latex that flows from any cut or broken part. The small petal-less flowers are carried in slender catkin-like spikes, with male and female on separate plants. In E. cochinchinensis the leaves are green above and red to purple beneath, while E. agallocha is a mangrove tree of tidal mud.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 50'

Width/Spread3' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

red

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer in the tropics, with small petal-less flowers in slender spikes. Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants, so seed forms only on female plants. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy green, red to purple beneath in some species

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-6 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in full sun to part shade in moist, free-draining soil in a warm, frost-free climate. The ornamental shrub species, such as E. cochinchinensis, develop the deepest leaf colour in bright light with steady warmth and humidity. Soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.5 is tolerated. Water regularly through the growing season, as the genus has limited drought tolerance, and reduce watering in cooler months. Outdoor culture is limited to tropical and subtropical zones 9 to 11, with container culture under glass elsewhere. The caustic latex flows from any pruning cut and irritates skin and eyes on contact.

Pruning

Prune in spring to shape the shrub and remove damaged growth, cutting before active growth resumes. The cut stems exude caustic milky latex that irritates skin and eyes on contact. Tools and cut surfaces are rinsed after pruning to remove residue.

Pruning Schedule

early spring