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 clandestina commonly known as Volstruisnek Euphorbia is best grown as a pot plant in a sunny position such as a windowsill or stoep (verandah) but can also be grown out of doors in the Karoo and other desert gardens where frost is not too severe. Although Euphorbia clandestina is still rare in its habitat it is well established in cultivation. Not only is it indigenous to South Africa it is also an endemic Euphorbia which is only found in South Africa.