Euphorbia is a genus in the family Euphorbiaceae. Consisting of 2008 species, Euphorbia is the fourth largest genus of flowering plants. Succulent species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and Madagascar. The common name “spurge” derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge (“to purge”), due to the use of the plant’s sap as a medicinal purgative. The plants are annual or perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees. Smaller Euphorbias make excellent potted plants while larger species are valuable landscaping plants.

Euphorbia cooperi commonly known as Bushveld Candelabra Euphorbia is an indigenous succulent tree up to 7 m tall, with conspicuous candelabra-like branches. This spiny, succulent tree has a naked, grey trunk, up to 3 m high. Round holes on the trunk indicate where old branches have fallen off. Branches (succulent leaves) are conspicuously 4- to 6-winged and resemble a chunky string of beads. The triangular segments are 50-150 x 120 mm. The spines form a spiky margin along each ridge on the branches. Spines are found in pairs and are usually 5 to 7 mm long. The yellowish green, bisexual flowers, which are clustered along ridges between the spines, are found in groups of 3 cymes (flower formed at the tip and subsequent ones formed below) situated towards the tips of the branches. Flowering time is during spring.