St croix usvi botanical garden dangerous euphorbia teke. Euphorbia teke is a laxly branched, spiny, shrubby tree usually growing from 3 - 6 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres. The trunk is up to 10cm in diameter .Usually this tree growing in tropical Africa ,skin contact often causing irritation and blistering; contact with the eyes causing temporary or even permanent blindness.This tree as synonymous with poison.