This tree-like succulent has solitary or multiple upright trunks with sparse 8-angled fleshy branches with wavy ovate segments that have spiny margins. It forms a dense crown and the yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in a cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Euphorbia abyssinica is naturally found in North-east Africa growing from northern Ethiopia to northern Somalia and appearing in arid deciduous or evergreen woodlands or shrub savannah on rocky hillsides and mountains from an altitude of 867m (2,844 ft) to 2,200 m (7,217 ft). 

It prefers an open to exposed sunny position but will tolerate some shade and grows in very well drained poor to moderately fertile sandy-stony to clay soil that is tending acidic to natural. It is very drought tolerant but frost tender and prefers a wind protected position.

The Candelabra Spurge is grown for its attractive stems and tree-like habit. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen or mass planted along borders for screening or as a living fence. It is also grown as a indoor plant when young and as a conservatory specimen in cold climates. It is suitable for inland and mountainous regions and establishes in 2-3 years and is long-lived. It is also planted in large rockeries and is used in planter boxes or roof gardens. ID 2637

Euphorbia (yoo-FOR-bee-uh) abyssinica (a-biss-IN-ee-kuh)

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