Euphorbia multiceps with some three-lobed green fruit

Euphorbia multiceps originates from the wide open plains of the Great and the Little Karoo. Its central conical stem may reach a height of about 60 cm. It is supplemented by many subsidiary, small stems branching out around the basic cone. The plant is usually covered in sharp spines. The specimen depicted here has some of the typical ephemeral leaves of the species, that occur at the apices of the branches, but soon after the growth season not seen anymore.

E. multiceps may long ago have served as inspiration for traditional community architects to design huts, pyramids, multi-towered castles and so on. But, of course, the Karoo is harsh country...