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Euphorbia Obesa

By Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Euphorbia obesa

Discover the fascinating Euphorbia obesa, a rare plant native to South Africa with a unique spherical stem and beautiful flowers.

TL;DR

The Euphorbia obesa is a rare plant native to South Africa, resembling cacti. It has a spherical stem divided into eight broad ribs, with pale green to grey-green color and purplish-red stripes. Small flowers grow from a depression in the crown, and all spurges exude a bitter milky sap when bruised.

  • Native to South Africa
  • Spherical stem with broad ribs
  • Small flowers grow from the crown

The illustrated species is native to South Africa where, however, it is now relatively rare because hundreds of specimens were dug up by collectors in the past. It was first brought to Europe in 1897. Spurges are extraordinarily diverse plants and their number includes both annual and perennial species, as well as herbaceous and woody plants. Some, such as E. obesa, resemble cacti. The stem is unbranched, spherical, 8-12 cm (3-5 in) across and divided into eight broad ribs. The entire stem is pale green to grey-green, with transverse purplish-red stripes. Small flowers arranged in a cyathium – the inflorescence characteristic of spurges – grow from a slight depression in the crown. When bruised all spurges exude a bitter milky sap.

Throughout the year it requires lots of light, and, in summer, sun and warmth. The growth period is in autumn. Water with care. Propagate from seed, which germinates rapidly and well, or by offshoots.

Euphorbia milii-splendens ‘Lutea’

Crown of Thorns is a very spiny shrub with succulent, branched stems. It is native to Madagascar, but has spread from there and became established in several tropical regions. The spines may be up to 1.5 cm long, are obovate, wedge-shaped at the base and completely glabrous. The inflor escences (cyathiums), composed of tiny inconspicuous flowers, are enclosed by two large, yellowish bracts. In the more commonly grown type species, the bracts are a vivid red.

This spurge is a lovely and thriving house plant. It grows extremely well in houses with central heating. It requires a sunny location throughout the year, preferably in a window. It grows best in a mixture of compost and sand. Water liberally during the growing period, but limit watering during the rest period from November to February, and again for about a month after the flowers have faded. Propagate by cutting off the tip of the stem, letting the milky sap that oozes out dry up and then inserting it in compost.

The illustrated species is native to South Africa where, however, it is now relatively rare because hundreds of specimens were dug up by collectors in the past.

More Information on Euphorbia obesa

The Euphorbia obesa is a fascinating plant native to South Africa. Its unique appearance and characteristics make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. One interesting fact about the Euphorbia obesa is that it is often referred to as the "baseball plant" due to its spherical shape and ribbed texture. This distinctive feature sets it apart from other plants and adds to its allure. Another intriguing aspect of the Euphorbia obesa is its ability to store water within its stem. This adaptation allows the plant to survive in arid conditions by conserving moisture. The stem's pale green to grey-green color with transverse purplish-red stripes adds an aesthetic appeal to this already captivating plant. In addition to its striking appearance, the Euphorbia obesa has a unique reproductive structure. The small flowers of the plant grow from a slight depression in the crown, forming an inflorescence known as a cyathium. This specialized structure is characteristic of spurges and adds to the plant's overall charm. It is worth noting that the Euphorbia obesa requires ample light throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Providing a sunny location, preferably near a window, will ensure its optimal growth. Additionally, watering should be done with care, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Overall, the Euphorbia obesa is an extraordinary plant that showcases nature's diversity and adaptability. Its unique shape, water storage capabilities, and distinctive reproductive structure make it a captivating addition to any plant collection.

About the author

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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