80 MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
environmental conditions. They are drought tolerant and are one of 
the few ornamentals which do well in highly alkaline, compact, 
shallow soils. 
Toxicity AND Symproms.—The poisonous properties of Pedilanthus 
latifolius Millsp. & Britton are similar to those of Christmas candle 
(153). 
MANAGEMENT AND Controu.—Neither Christmas candle nor this 
species has become a weed in the Virgin Islands; however, their 
presence in areas accessible to livestock constitute a potential hazard. 
Livestock do not browse the plant ordinarily, but they may consume 
dangerous quantities if tethered or otherwise confined in areas where 
the plants occur. Gloves should be worn when pruning and handling 
the plants, and care should be taken not to get any of the milky, acrid 
juice on the skin or in the eyes. As a precautionary measure the hands 
should be washed in hot soapy water after handling the plants. 
Unwanted plants should be grubbed rather than cut, because cut plants 
form regrowth. Selective herbicides and soil sterilants should be used 
only when there is no danger to surrounding vegetation. 
Euphorbiaceae, or Spurge, Family 
Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. (fig. 44) 
Christmas Candle 
Derscription.—This perennial branching, fleshy, ornamental shrub 
reaches a height of 4 to 8 feet. The plant is smooth throughout and 
contains a milky, acrid sap. Its smooth, round, fleshy stems are hght 
green or dull white. The stemless leaves are sometimes uniformly 
green but are often variegated in irregular patterns. The alternate, 
oblong leaves are 4 to 5 inches long, about 2 inches wide, rounded 
at the base and acute at the apex, and have a midrib that is keeled 
below. The small flowers are borne in compact clusters at the tips 
of the branches and are surrounded by a thick, red to purple, boat- 
shaped tube. The fruiting capsules measure about 14 inch in length 
and width. The ovate seeds are about 14 inch long. The variegated 
variety is grown more commonly; it blossoms throughout the year 
but more profusely during the winter months, when it is an especial 
favorite of hummingbirds. This species blossoms more profusely 
in the climate of the Virgin Islands than does Pedilanthus latifolius 
Millsp. and Britton. It is propagated by cuttings. 
DistRIBUTION AND Haprrat.—This shrub is probably native, and 1s 
widely planted as an ornamental throughout the Virgin Islands. It 
is more commonly planted than is Pedilanthus latifolius Millsp. and 
Britton, especially the variegated form, in part because of its attrac- 
tive colorful appearance. It is adapted to a wide range of moisture | 
and soil conditions; it thrives equally well on deep, moist soils and 
shallow, dry, alkaline soils. It is commonly planted as a hedge or 
border plant around dwellings, in public parks, and occasionally along 
streets and highways. Christmas candle thrives best in full sun but 
is shade tolerant. The ability of Christmas candle to grow in hard, 
compact, shallow soils in dry areas enhances its usefulness for orna- 
mental plantings. The plants require periodic pruning to maintain 
an attractive appearance. 
Toxicrry AnD Symproms.—The stems, leaves, and roots of Christ- 
mas candle possess a very caustic, milky juice that is capable of pro- 
