Euphorbia lactea is a species of spurge native to arid and subtropical regions of South Asia, mainly the Indian Subcontinent.

[3] Common names include mottled spurge,[4] frilled fan, elkhorn,[5] candelabra spurge,[4] candelabrum tree, candelabra cactus, candelabra plant, dragon bones,[4] false cactus,[4] hatrack cactus,[4] milkstripe euphorbia, mottled candlestick.

It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, with succulent branches 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short, permanent spines up to 5 millimetres (0.20 in) long.

[3] All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex, containing several irritating alkaloids, such as phorbol.

[7] It is widely grown as an ornamental plant, both in the tropics, and as a houseplant in temperate regions; a number of cultivars have been selected for ornamental use, notably 'Cristata' with frilled branching.