E. candelabrum is endemic to the Horn of Africa and eastern Africa along the East African Rift system. A characteristic tree in much of dryland Africa. In Uganda it grows in both dry deciduous and evergreen woodlands, often on termite mounds and in thickets of Capparis spp., Acacia gerrardii, Acacia sieberiana and Acacia polyacantha, 1,100-2,200 m. Abundant in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Kampala, E. candelabrum can be found within Makerere university, at Kawalya Kaggwa close, York terrace among other places.

A tree that grows up to 15 m, the trunk thick, to 3 m, where the lower branches have fallen away. Erect branches have 3-5 spiny ribs or wings and branches go on dividing to make a large round crown.

BARK: The green-grey stems have many narrow "waists"and have takenover the leaf function to make food.

LEAVES: mature plants haveno true leaves, just scales. Seedlings have leaves.

FLOWERS: small, green-yellow and fleshy in groupsof 4-6 next to the pairedspines.

FRUIT: green-red pea-size capsules, seeds spotted withdirty white.

Medicine: pith of the branches, the roots, stem ash, latex, sap. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Euphorbia+candelabrum

The latex is also applied to wounds and sores of cattle. It is an ingredient of arrow poison. https://www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp g=pe&p=Euphorbia+candelabrum+Kotschy 

Agroforestry: cut branches are used for fencing and are planted to provide shade, can be used as a live fence.

The plant produces latex contains about 12.5% rubber.

The wood is used to make roofing, tables, doors, matches, boxes, mortars, musical instruments and saddles.

The trunk split into halves is hollowed and re-joined to make beehives.

The stems provide firewood and charcoal.