Family : Euphorbiaceae (Castor Family)

It is a small deciduous tree, 5-10 meters in height, exuding a poisonous milky juice. When being cut, one has to be careful that the juice does not enter the eye as it could lead to blindness. This tree stands out when flowering and fruiting, at this time the tree is without leave and long thin inflorescence (spikes) of more than 6 inches point skywards. Leaves are oppositely arranged, elliptic lanceolate, with serrated margins and are crowded at the end of the branches. Saw a couple of trees at Blackwater spring and also near the top of the Ghat road.