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 tetragona commonly known as Honey Euphorbia is a spiny succulent evergreen tree that grows to be 10 meters tall when planted into open ground. It is endemic to South Africas Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastal region. It makes a spectacular container plant and can withstand a variety of different soil types… even clay soil. It can handle excessive watering and is drought tolerant. It is a very easy succulent to grow and will create lovely height in a rockery.