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 squarrosa is a popular choice amongst rare caudiciform succulent fans. Endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, it is a spiny succulent that has a fleshy, underground root which erupts into many branches above the soil. Branches are creeping or semi-erect and around 20cm long, typically dark green, three-angled and twisted, with greyish spines. In bloom, small flowers are green with yellow and red centres. Very easy care and fairly self-sufficient, provided given regular light watering and free-draining soil. Never allow them to sit in water. Likes a position of full sun to part sun. A stunning succulent to display.