Have you ever read about “fairy circles“? They are found in the Namib desert in Southern Africa and parts of Western Australia.

Fairy circles are round patches of dry land, which have no plants. They are often surrounded by a ring of grass. These circles have been a big mystery for a long time. Scientists have many theories about it.

Recently, scientists from South Africa and Russia said that they may have a proper explanation for it.

They believe that it is caused by a plant in the desert, known as Euphorbia or milk bush. It is a succulent plant. This means it has thick, fleshy leaves, which store water.

The milk bush

This plant is known for its white, gummy, toxic (poisonous) liquid that oozes from its branches. This liquid can even cause blindness in humans.

During extra dry seasons, many plants do not survive. So, if a Euphorbia also dies, it releases a toxic liquid. This makes other plants unable to grow in the area where it died, creating fairy circles.

 

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