A species of spurge native to tropical Asia, mainly in India. It is an erect shrub growing up to 5 m (16 feet) tall, with succulent branches 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) Diameter, ridged, with a triangular or rhombic cross-section; the ridges are spiny, with short spines up to 5 mm (0.20 inches) long. The leaves are minute, and soon deciduous. All parts of the plant contain a poisonous milky latex. 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.
(Info taken from Wikipedia page on Euphorbia lactea)