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Hi, can anyone tell me what this is?
I bought this tiny plant at an expo and it was tagless. I'm sure the guy said it's some or the other Euphorbia.

Hi

Yes, it looks like an Euphorbia. To make sure whether it is indigenous, you can prick the stem. If it exudes a white fluid, you can be pretty sure that it is indigenous and that it is an Euphorbia.

How many "angles" do its branches have?

I'm not an expert on this, but if it has four it is possibly Euphorbia schinzii (Klipmelkbossie). This plant is found on the Magaliesberg on rocky hillsides and blooms in the winter.

If it has three sides it is possibly Euphorbia grandicornis (Rhino thorn). This is found from Natal up to Kenya.

Hi Imberbe!
Nice to see the blue post again!

It is indigenous - milky liquid, has 4/5 spines. My SO seems to think it might be Euphorbia louwii?

Now see ... there is another reason that, contrary to my SO's wishes, I should buy another plant book! My books do not show lowii! Thus your SO might be 100% correct!

Maybe you should PM Jakkalsbessie? She might just be able to help!

If your little plant is five angled your SO is probably correct everything I can see on the photo adds up

Thanx, Jeanus!

This is a difficult one...

Imberbe 15 years or so back you would have been correct with Euphorbia schinzii

E. schinzii had a distinct "Limpopo form" BUT a few years back it was decided to describe this widespread 'Limpopo form' as a distinct species with the more appropriate name of Euphorbia limpopoana rather than to upgrade the subspecific status.

The colour of the branches (the paler stripe in the middle) and the relatively stout spines is characteristic of the species.


E. louwii has more slender upright branches and fine sharp spines

Interesting, Jakkalsbessie!
Thanx so much!

Yeeeeehaa!!!

I'm only 15 years behind om my "small euphorbias!"



Thanks JB, I knew we could count on you!