Euphorbia pulvinata north of Vryheid

Euphorbia pulvinata is found widespread in rocky grassland and on exposed mountain slopes. The plants vary in appearance across their large distribution range. They are popular with gardeners and important to muti people, presently not to the extent of causing concern for the species population in habitat.

The deciduous leaves occurring briefly at stem-tips are narrowly linear to lanceolate or oblanceolate with pointed or somewhat blunt tips. The smooth blades are dull grey-green, up to 3 cm long but variable particularly in width across the species distribution range.

The solitary spines, sometimes close together, are modified, sterile peduncles. Their colour changes from white to purple according to the season. Spine length is up to 12 mm (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; http://www.llifle.com; https://www.plantbook.co.za; https://worldofsucculents.com).