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 ferox commonly known as Pincushion Euphorbia in English and Noorsdoring or Voetangel in Afrikaans is a rare South African endemic succulent found exclusively in the Eastern Cape Province. It is a small spiny succulent shrublet branching at the base. It will form rounded clusters up to 60 cm in diameter. It has columnar spiny succulent green stems, about 5 cm in diameter. The stem looks like a green corncob with thorns. Ribs are linear with minimal cross-channels. It is very well suited to pot culture and will happily grow on a sunny windowsill.