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 mauritanica commonly known as Jackal’s Food or Yellow Milkbush in English and Beesmelkbos, Geelmelkbos, Gifmelkbos or Jakkalsbos in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species with a wide distribution range. It can be found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It forms a tall succulent plant with bright yellow flowers eminently suitable for a rockery. Euphorbia mauritanica can be used as a feature plant in a rockery garden; gardeners like it for being colourful and drought resistant.