Euphorbia pseudocactus

The candelabra spurge or Euphorbia pseudocactus is found in coastal Kwazulu-Natal among thorny bush. It is multi-branched and may grow taller than 1 m. The naming suggests the appearance of a candelabra and a cactus. Between the three to five ribs the dark green surface is often marked with whitish V-shaped embellishments. The stems have irregular patterns of constrictions and bulging on the thin and high stem ribs or ridges that remind of E. cooperi. The spines are whitish, paired, fierce and regularly angled. Small leaves appear briefly at the top in the growing season.

There is considerable form variations and hybridisation that makes this an intriguing plant to identify. South African plants are sometimes given interesting additional common names when they spread beyond the border (emigrate?). This one has received the remarkable name of urban cowboy in the USA. If that is deserved, it would be good to learn what caused the choice of such a name.

The spurge name is apparently derived from some ill-advised experimental medicine of the Middle Ages when the noxious latex of some Euphorbia had been ingested by patients. Spurge came from purge! The ghastly effects can be imagined (www.cactus-art.biz; www.plantsarethestrangestpeople.blogspot.com; www.plantzafrica.com).