Euphorbia cooperi short stem segments

The sequence of stem segments in this picture of Euphorbia cooperi succeeds each other closely, all the visible ones being quite short and rounded or squat in their characteristic heart-shape. The branchlets usually have five or six wings, about 10 cm in diameter.

E. cooperi var. cooperi, the plant in picture seen in Mpumalanga, has shorter segments than E. cooperi var. calidicola, which is only found in the Zambezi Valley to the north. These varieties may no longer be upheld, however. It is not certain whether varieties are still recognised for this species in South Africa.

E. cooperi branches sprouting from the main stem do not branch again higher up. Lower side-branches die off over time, leaving lower stem part bare (Smith, et al, 2017; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).