Native to Central Africa, Euphorbia trigona can grow up to 1.8m tall and is classified as a shrub because of its upright branching structure. In fact, it’s grown as a protective hedge around villages in countries like Gabon. It’s known as the African Milk Tree because of the sticky latex sap it produces if wounded. 

While it looks like a cactus, Euphorbia trigona is actually a succulent plant that has adapted to the hot dry weather by storing water in its stem and branches. Because of this, its watery stems can burn if exposed to too much direct sunlight, especially if it’s magnified by glass. Make sure your euphorbia isn’t pressing up against a window. The bonus of this adaptation means light watering, making Euphorbia trigona a great low maintenance houseplant for busy people. 

With its impressive candelabra shape, attractive variegated green stem, reddish spines, and the frilly small green leaves it grows as it matures, this is a houseplant that offers both visual interest and structural impact. Win. Win. 

Did you know?

Dylan’s spikey bits are officially spines (adapted leaves) and not thorns (adapted stems) - an easy mistake to make. Either way, they hurt, so wear thick gloves when repotting!