This cactus-like succulent has columnar striped stems that are sharply ridged and armed with thorns (old flower stems). It forms upright clumps and produces small yellow green flowers that appear in clusters during summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Euphorbia horridais naturally found in lower South Karoo in South Africa growing in an open sunny position in very well drained gritty light soils and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

The African Milk Barrel is a succulent that is grown for its colour and is planted in arid or succulent gardens as a specimen or in containers for indoor or outdoor use. It establishes from division in 2 to 4 years and is long lived. It may be difficult to obtain from nurseries and care should be taken when handling as the sap is poisonous and corrosive. ID 1828

Euphorbia(yoo-FOR-bee-uh)horrida(HOR-ee-dah)

Euphorbiaceae(yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family