Euphorbia pillansii has a wide distribution in the arid areas of the Western Cape Province from the district of Ladismith westwards towards the Ceres district.

This unisexual Euphorbia with gray-green stems grows to a height of about 30 cm. The peduncles are forked and persistent performing the function of spines after the seed has been dispersed.

The plants flower in spring making small yellowish cyathia.

The cultivation of Euphorbia pillansii is relatively easy. A well drained loamy soil with occasional watering is best. Although the plants grow in the winter rainfall area, rain in habitat is scarce and occasional summer thunderstorms also occur.


Euphorbia pillansii, a fruiting plant near Plathuis.

   


  

Euphorbia obesa is distributed and uncommon in the arid areas of the Graaff-Reinet district in the Eastern Cape Province. The plants were discovered in 1897 by MacOwen near Kendrew south of Graaff-Reinet. Euphorbia obesa soon became one the most sought after Euphorbia species of all time and was unscrupulously collected in the wild for many years. Fortunately the plants are now protected and propagated from seed all over the world.


Its attractive almost rotund shape with eight segments resembles much the huts that some of the native people make and hence it was initially referred to as "Kafferhut" (Afr.). Nowadays this name has been abandoned and the plants are more happily called "Vetmensie" (fat-person).

Euphorbia obesa elongates out of its ball shape with age becoming somewhat columnar.

This is one example of convergence in evolution, where Euphorbia obesa has attained a similar shape and appearance than the totally unrelated cactus Astrophytum asterias.

The plants are unisexual and the female plants produce fairly large amounts of seed on the apex of the plant about twice per season. The peduncles are not persistent and fall off after the seed ripens.

In nature hybrids are sometimes formed with Euphorbia ferox.

Euphorbia obesa does well in cultivation. Avoid winter temperatures much below -3 deg. Celsius. The plants like full sun, heat and detest waterlogged soils. A well drained slightly sandy soil should be ideal.

Euphorbia obesa, a young male plant.

An older female plant.

Seedpods.

Euphorbia inermis is closely related to Euphorbia esculenta but the branches (fingers) are generally longer and thinner than those of the latter. In both species the tuberous root is distinct from the main stem and the bracteoles are woolly white.

The plants are distributed from around Uitenhage to the Fish River Valley. The peduncles of Euphorbia inermis are shorter than those of E esculenta and the styles are almost fully joined into a slender column.

Propagation is from seed.

Euphorbia inermis in habitat.


Euphorbia inermis cyathia.

   


  

Euphorbia esculenta is a large growing medusa-head Euphorbia that occurs widespread in the Eastern Cape Province from the Uitenhage district north-eastwards into the semi-desert areas of Jansenville, Steytlerville, Willowmore, Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet.

The plants are quite common throughout their distribution area and can form extensive colonies.
The deep tuberous root is distinct from the main stem and does not form a single unit like in some other similar looking species. The bracteoles are woolly and white making the plants strikingly attractive while in flower.The involucre glands of the cyathia are brown or green.

The plants like full sun and prefer a minimum temperature of about - 3 degrees Celsius. In habitat Euphorbia esculenta receives rainfall mainly in the summer months in the form of afternoon thundershowers. The red clay soil in which they often grow becomes soaking wet at times. The plants will not tolerate wet conditions for days on end however.

Propagation is from seed.


Euphorbia esculenta in cultivation.


Cyathia

   


  

Euphorbia fortuita (fortuita means "discovered by chance") is known from a small area between Ladismith and Barrydale in the arid Little Karoo.

The plants resemble Euphorbia colliculina from the Oudsthoorn area, but the cyathia are very pubescent and the involucre glands purple instead of greenish-yellow. The peduncles are not persistent, while those of E colliculina are occasionally persistent.

Euphorbia fortuita is grown from seed. The plants prefer full sun and good drainage with a minimum winter temperature of about - 3 degrees Celsius.


Euphorbia fortuita, an old plant in habitat.


A smaller plant amongst sunbaked quartzite.



Euphorbia fortuita cyathia.

   


  

Euphorbia schoenlandii has its distribution in the Northern Cape Province and is restricted to the districts of Van Rhijnsdorp, Vredendal and Clanwilliam.

These succulents plants are often found growing on plains. They are mostly single stemmed and can grow with age to a height of some 1.3 meter. Usually the plants are shorter.

The plants are rather similar to the slightly smaller Euphorbia fasciculata. One notable difference is that the spines of Euphorbia schoenlandii are modified sterile peduncles (developed similarly to real flower stalks but never produced any cyathia (flowers)), while in E fasciculata the peduncles are fertile. In the latter case the peduncles remain half withered after the seed ripens but never develop into spines.

The bisexual cyathia of Euphorbia schoenlandii develop on shorter peduncles that wither away after the seed ripens.

The stems have attractive tubercles.

Euphorbia schoenlandii is propagated from seed and grown in well drained soil. Leave the soil to dry out well between watering. The plants like hot conditions in summer and full sun. The minimum winter temperature in habitat is about -3 deg Celsius, sometimes lower.


Euphorbia schoenlandii in cultivation.


Euphorbia schoenlandii cyathium with young seed capsule starting to develop.

   


  

Euphorbia multiramosa is distributed on the desert plains of the Richterveld, from Vioolsdrift to Jakkalswater. Further recordings have also been made around Alexander Bay.

This dwarf succulent plant is irregularly shaped and can reach a height of some 20 cm.

Euphorbia multiramosa differs from the related E namaquensis in having a more compact distribution of branches, the peduncles being less persistent than in E namaquensis and the cyathia (specialized flowers) are always produced singly and not in small cymes like often seen in E namaquensis. There are also other floral differences.

When cultivating Euphorbia multiramosa it must be remembered that the plants grow fully exposed in hot desert conditions. Water with care and then leave the soil to dry out for a considerable time.

Propagation is from seed.

Euphorbia multiramosa, a cultivated plant originating from near Umdaus in the Richtersveld.

Cyathia.

   


  

Euphorbia multiceps (pyramidalis) is widely distributed in the hot arid areas from the Tanqua Karoo in the Northern Cape, westerly to the Ceres Karoo in the Western Cape. Some of these areas have a very low rainfall and such sparse vegetation that they can be considered real deserts. Euphorbia multiceps (pyramidalis) appears to avoid these very dry areas.

Close to a farm dam in the Tanqua Karoo I have seen some large specimens grow to a height of 50 cm or even more. Usually the plants are 30 cm or less in height.

The type Euphorbia multiceps borders on the pyramidalis form loosely in the southern parts of the Karoo north of Matjiesfontein and reappears towards Springbok in the Northern Cape. In between these limits the pyramidalis form is found.

The plants differ from the type form of Euphorbia multiceps in that the cone shape is less stable and the plants take on numerous forms. The branches (fingers) are generally relatively longer then in the type, and the thorns are sometimes brownish but this is not always the case. (There are numerous forms of both types of Euphorbia multiceps that I have not seen and some of this information is certainly open to debate.)

The flowers are bisexual and are similar to the type multiceps. The involucre glands are reddish brown initially and turn to brownish green as the flowers mature.

The cultivation of Euphorbia multiceps (pyramidalis) is rather difficult and both seedlings and adult plant are more prone to die in cultivation than the normal Euphorbia multiceps.

Hot summers and light conditions are essential and some drought stress between watering seems to avoid early death to some degree. The minimum recommended temperature in winter is probably around - 3 deg Celsius.


A medium sized cultivated plant of Euphorbia multiceps (pyramidalis).


Flowers.

   


  

This undescribed Euphorbia species from the Addo district in the Eastern Cape Province has green involucre glands and a long tap root similar to many medusa-head Euporbias.

Side-shoots are produced freely with age.

The cultivation of this Euphorbia has so far proved non-complicated. The plants are drought resistant and probably will not take well to frequent watering.

Euphorbia sp. in habitat in the Addo district.

   


  

Euphorbia cylindrifolia subsp. tuberifera naturally occurs in Madagascar where it is found in tropical or subtropical dry forests or shrubland. It is a rhizomatus succulent subshrub, grows to about 25 cm in diameter and has an underground caudex.

The flowers have a pale apricot colour.

In cultivation Euphorbia cylindrifolia subsp. tuberifera prefers partial shade and should be protected from frost.

Propagation by cuttings is difficult and the plants should be grown from seed.


Euphorbia cylindrifolia subsp. tuberifera in cultivation.


Euphorbia cylindrifolia subsp. tuberifera flowers.

   


  

Euphorbia triangularis is the most common tree Euphorbia in the Eastern Cape Province. Their distribution extents from the Uitenhage district northwards into KwaZulu-Natal.

The branches of Euphorbia triangularis can be 3, 4 or 5-angled. The 3-angled form occurs more in the Eastern Cape and the 5-angled form in KwaZulu-Natal. The branches are segmented and deciduous, leaving older trees with a naked trunk and a whorl of branches at the top.

The trees can grow up to 18 m high.

The cultivation of Euphorbia triangularis is quite easy. The plants can withstand a considerable amount of water as long as the soil has good drainage. The plants can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Euphorbia triangularis in the Karoo Botanical Garden in Worcester.

   


  

Euphorbia horrida 'Snowflake' is probably one of the most attractive forms of this variable genus. The plants do not form massive thorns on the ribs like some other Euphorbia horrida, obscuring the differences between Euphorbia horrida and the closely related Euphorbia polygona. The beautiful white coated epidermis makes this plant a highly prized item in succulent collections.

Their natural habitat is in the vicinity of Joubertina in the Eastern Cape Province where the plants form large clumps, consisting of numerous branches, on the rocky hill sides.

Euphorbia horrida 'Snowflake' is a mountain dweller and the rainfall can be considerably higher in these areas then in the desert Karoo.

In habitat the species grows in a well drained composted and sandy soil, giving an indication of its preference in cultivation.


Euphorbia horrida 'Snowflake' in habitat. A large adult plant.


A smaller plant. Even a plant this size takes many years to grow from seed.


Euphorbia horrida 'Snowflake' flowers and seedpods. The purple involucre glands are similar to those of Euphorbia polygona and a few varieties of Euphorbia horrida. The type Euphorbia horrida has green glands.

   


  

Euphorbia squarrosa is from the Eastern Cape Province, where it is found in the Albany, Fort Beaufort, Bathurst and King Williams Town districts.

The plants have a deep tuber and are related to Euphorbia stellata, but the prostrate stems are mostly three angled and lack the feather-like markings of E stellata. Euphorbia squarrosa is also a more robust grower.

The cultivation of Euphorbia squarrosa is relatively easy. A well drained soil is essential.

Euphorbia squarrosa in habitat in the Fort Beaufort district.

   


  

Euphorbia crispa is named after its "crisped" or wavy leaves. The distribution of the plants is in the Western - and Northern Cape including the Malmesbury, Ceres, Clanwilliam, Van Rhynsdorp and Calvinia disticts.

The subterranean nature of Euphorbia crispa is similar to that of Euphorbia silenifolia. Euphorbia crispa has fewer cyathia in each umbel however and the involucre gland are greenish yellow.

The plants are unisexual and winter growers.

The cultivation of Euphorbia crispa is relatively easy in a well drained soil. Moderate watering during the winter months and little during the summer resting period.


Euphorbia crispa, two male plants from the Pakhuis Pass near Clanwilliam.

   


  

Euphorbia stellata grows amongst grass and pebbles in the Eastern Cape in the districts of Port Elizabeth, Albany and Peddie. The root and stem form one large subterranean tuber. The branches are prostrate with paired spines on the margins.

Euphorbia stellata prefers a well drained soil. In habitat the plants often grow fully exposed. In very hot areas the plants may need some protection from the sun.

Euphorbia stellata in habitat.

   


  

Euphorbia globosa is from the Eastern Cape Province. The plants grow amongs grass and pebbles in the districts of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage.

An interesting feature of Euphorbia globosa is that the branches form small segments, either globular or elongated on the same plant. The plants have a contractile habit and older segments are drawn into the soil. Euphorbia globosa can form large mats with age.

The cultivation of Euphorbia globosa is not difficult. A sandy soil with good drainage is preferred.


Euphorbia globosa in habitat.

   


  

The distribution of Euphorbia silenifolia extents from the Western Cape to Port Alfred. The plants prefer areas with higher rainfall and avoid desert-like Karoo areas.

Euphorbia silenifolia is a geophyte (subterranean species) which grows during the winter months. The plants are not visible during the summer. During autumn the thin leaves start to grow from the apex of the underground stem.

Euphorbia silenifolia is unisexual producing male and female flowers on different plants.

The flowering time in habitat is in May and June.

Euphorbia silenifolia, a male plant in cultivation.

   


  

Euphorbia pseudoglobosa is endemic to the Southern Cape coastal area from the Riversdale district westwards.

The main stem and tuberous root of the plants form one underground body, with the branches protruding partly above. The plants appear to be related to Euphorbia susannae and Euphorbia juglands both of which are found in the desert-like Little Karoo.

Propagation is from seed or cuttings. Euphorbia pseudoglobosa should be planted in a well drained sandy soil. Cultivation is not difficult if the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.


Euphorbia pseudoglobosa from Rooivlei.


Euphorbia pseudoglobosa, a female plant full of fruit.

   


  

Euphorbia bupleurifolia is well distributed in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.

It is a handsome plant with tubercles on the stem and a crown of leaves on top, giving the plant the general appearance of a miniature cycad.

The South African Euphorbias with prominent leaves are rather more difficult to cultivate then some other Euphorbias , and Euphorbia bupleurifolia is no exception. A healthy growing plant can suddenly rot and die almost overnight.

Euphorbia bupleurifolia receives summer rainfall, surviving mainly on thunderstorms. The plants germinate easily from seed but a well drained soil is essential for their survival.

The plants are dioecious meaning that male and female flowers appear on seperate plants. Sex changes have been known to occur however and a distinctly male plant can suddenly start producing female flowers.

Euphorbia bupleurifolia in habitat in the Eastern Cape.

   


  

Euphorbia valida is distributed in the Eastern Cape. The plants occur in the semi-desert regions of the Jansenville, Steytlerville, Somerset East and Albany districts. Rather large numbers are found on the Dikkop Flats south of Carlisle Bridge.

Euphorbia valida is similar to Euphorbia meloformis, but the plants usually grow larger and tend to elongate above the ground whereas E meloformis tends to sink into the ground.


Euphorbia valida in habitat on the Dikkop Flats.