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.

This member of the Euphorbiaceae family was described by Leandri in 1946. It is found in 1500 meters height of the central plateau of Madagascar, growing in pure quartz sand. Needs some water and lots of sun. The swollen stems can grow up to nine centimetres in diameter, and reach a length of 30 centimetres. The flowers are yellow.