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 gorgonis commonly known as Euphorbia of the Gorgon or Gorgon’s Head Euphorbia in English and Melkbol or Vingerpol in Afrikaans is a South African endemic succulent found exclusively in the Eastern Cape Province. It is a small, low growing, medusa head Euphorbia suited to a smaller pot or in just the right spot in a warm, bright xeriscape. It forms a thick central trunk with fat tuberous roots. It has yellow flowers when in bloom. It handles full sun and severe drought without even looking stressed.