This cactus-like spiny shrub has erect stems to 750 mm (30in) thick with 10-16 angled grooves that branch at the base forming a clump. It has greyish branched star-shaped spines and the small pale yellow flowers appear at the top during late spring. 

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Euphorbia stellispina is naturally found in South Africa with a very wide distribution from Gordonia in the West to Great Karoo growing in a variety of habitats that include open flats or dry stony hillsides. 

It prefers an open to expose sunny position and grows in poor to moderately fertile sandy stony to deep loamy soils with a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. It is drought and high-temperature tolerant but frost tender.

Sterretjie-noors is grown for its clumping habit and its drought hardiness. It is planted in arid gardens as a specimen or in rockeries or use in a succulent garden. It is suitable coastal and inland regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is long-lived. The succulent is also grown in pots or tubs and can be used on roof gardens. ID 3730

Euphorbia (ew-FOR-bee-a) stellispina (stel-ih-SPIN-uh)

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