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 tortirama is one of the most interesting South African dwarf euphorbia bearing quaintly spiralled branches, a tuft of which arises from the top of a perennial tuberous rootstock, also known as caudex. It is endemic to South Africas Limpopo Province. The thickened main root is raised above the soil level when potted.