Euphorbia caerulescens growing dense

In habitat near Addo this old Euphorbia caerulescens plant shows many erect stems, branching and curving at the base. Stem constrictions are common, branching near the top less so.

Low stem parts become pale grey and rough surfaced, losing the green chlorophyll-laden young stem surfaces that keep the plant supplied for growth.

Although damage is caused around the perimeter, maybe from animal and human interference, the stem spines protect the inner stem grouping quite well against intruders (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iNaturalist).