An extremely diverse-looking genus of mostly tropical and subtropical succulent plants. For Euphorbus, corpulent Greek physician of Juba II, King of Mauretania. Literally, “euphorbia” means “well-fed”
Species
aeruginosa
From Latin aerūgō, “[blue green] rust of copper, verdigris,” and -ōsus.
This euphorbia is a South African native, not found in the wild in North America.
Identification: Plants are up to 12" (30 cm) in height,
with blue-green stems that are roughly square in cross-section and about ⅜" (1 cm) on a
side. Spine groups appear along the edges of the stems; spines are dark orange-brown and
about ⅜" (1 cm) in length. Flowers are small bright yellow cyathia, appearing
near the stem tips.
