Euphorbia virosa is a tough succulent which usually grows up to 3 m with the main stem partly buried under the ground. The main stem gives rise to large branches 50-60 mm thick and over a metre in height. The main stem and branches are angled and have pairs of thorns at the edges. At first the thorns are dark red and shiny and then become grey.

It produces yellow flowers at the tip of the stems followed by red fruits in late winter.

Euphorbia virosa is not an endangered species mainly due to its abundance and wide distribution range in various regions of arid southern Africa.

Euphorbia virosa is widely distributed from the northwestern interior of the Cape Province of South Africa to Namibia and all the way to southern Angola. It prefers the very dry and hot areas of southern Africa and is drought-tolerant. It is commonly found in sandy and stony regions associated with rugged hills and mountains.

The San people of Namaqualand used the milky sap, which is also highly toxic to humans, as an arrow poison for hunting. The sap is a skin irritant which has led to hunters abandoning the use of it. The only animal that consumes the plant is the black rhino. (Source: PlantzAfrica)

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