Euphorbia bothae, a hybrid

Euphorbia bothae has been discontinued as a species name as it has been found to be a hybrid. The species involved in the hybridisation are E. caerulescens and E. ledienii or at least one of them.

The plant has a somewhat spreading growth form, with low branching stems leaning on the ground; only the upper stem parts erect. Stems have a bluish-green colour and are quite spiny.

These plants occur in the Eastern Cape, particularly in parts of the Fish River Valley. The photo was taken in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Research on the black rhinoceros indicates that this plant forms part of its diet wherever it is available. Whether there are nutrients in the plant of particular value for them is not certain. Maybe it only helps for countering stomach parasites. Another possibility put forward is that substances in the plant get the rhinos a little high and they seek it out for this (Smith, et al, 1997; Gledhill, 1981; www.wildwatch.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).