Star-shaped South African euphorbia with sprawling flattened stems and bonsai-like caudex

Euphorbia stellata is a peculiar and highly decorative euphorbia from South Africa with a small distribution area near the city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape province.

In nature, it grows among grasses and pebbles, often fully exposed with the thick underground tuber firmly anchored in rock crevices. As the name suggests (stellata means star-shaped), the branches radiate from the tuber and spread out against the ground.

The plant reaches a diameter of about 30 centimetres (more if light is insufficient, due to stretching) and is practically leafless. The individual stems originate from a common centre and are flattened with a light/dark green pattern on the upper side. The stems are about 1.5 centimetres wide and grow to 10 to 15 centimetres long.

In its natural environment, the stems lie sprawling with the thickened stem and taproot underground. In cultivated plants, the thickened base (caudex) is usually exposed, giving the plant a bonsai-like appearance.

Care

Thrives in a bright location with good direct sun; sufficient light prevents the stems from stretching and becoming leggy. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use well-draining cactus or succulent soil with good mineral content.

Water very sparingly during winter. Ideal temperature 18-28 degrees Celsius; keep cooler and drier during winter dormancy. Does not tolerate wet conditions in the root zone.