Shrubby West African succulent Euphorbia with fat white stems, deciduous green leaves, and small spines. Cultivated plants almost never get anywhere near their potential full size of several feet tall. They are slow but steady growers (a couple of inches a year when small).

This is one member of a group of similar plants, including E. unispina, darbandensis, sapinii, and venenifica, with a common shape and habit. These plants have an unusually toxic sap, which was used traditionally for poisoning animals. Avoid contact with the sap. This group is apparently related to the very different-looking, mound-forming E. resinifera from Morocco, based on genetic evidence.

Requires strong light and excellent drainage. Does well in small containers, given occasional bumps up in size. Slow growing, with a marked seasonal pattern of new growth only in the summer and fall. Enjoys more regular water during active growth. May retain some of its leaves year round, or lose them all in winter. Given mild temperatures, this plant and its close relatives tolerate some winter rainfall. Tiny unisexual cyathia appear on the stems in winter and spring.

Grown from seed, which requires male and female plants to produce. Uncommon in cultivation. Branches regularly from the base and higher up. Quite striking in old age. Spineless forms have been bred.

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