Euphorbia rhombifolia

Euphorbia rhombifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Namibia and South Africa, where it is widespread in clay-rich soils, extending as far east as Kwazulu-Natal.

As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.

Description
It grows to 60 or 70 cm in height, with a tuberous root-system that is often eaten by porcupines, and with thin (3-5mm), erect, grey, branching stems. The branches are dichotomous and taper to soft points.

The plants in the south-western Cape (E. caterviflora) are smaller, reaching only 30 cm in height.

The leaves are small (1-3mm), dark, triangular and deciduous. The flowerheads are also small (3mm) and appear from winter into spring.

Related species
This species is part of a group of closely related "stick euphorbias" including Euphorbia burmannii and Euphorbia tenax, which are widespread across southern Africa.