Euphorbia loricata lower stems

Numerous Euphorbia loricata branches develop a single-based stem-forest cluster where the breeze can cool the plant down in the shade of its sun-facing upper parts.

Bark on the lowest stem parts becomes markedly smoother as the surface tubercles disappear in increased stem thickness.  Blotchy pale and darker grey with a hint of brown reflects the gradual colour change in subtle nuances at different heights.

The thinner stems still manage the occasional new branchlet emerging low down (Grenier, 2019; Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; iNaturalist).