Euphorbia bisellenbeckii

Euphorbia bisellenbeckii is a small, fleshy plant in the spurge family. Its common name is Octopus Arms. The same species once had the name Monadenium ellenbeckii. Kew lists its home range as eastern and southern Ethiopia and Kenya. LLIFLE adds Somalia to that range. It grows in dry shrubland and on rocky slopes. Scattered shrubs grow near it in these sites. Its home has a warm, tropical climate, not extreme desert dryness.

This plant lives for years and forms a low shrub. Its fleshy green stems rise from a shared base. They then stand up or creep along the ground. Garden plants reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. LLIFLE lists stem lengths near 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. With support, stems can reach 4.9 feet [1.5 metres] long. They have few branches and four grooves near their base. Short shoots below ground help form clumps over time. Small, fleshy leaves sometimes grow at the stem tips. These oval leaves have fine hairs but no stalks. They do not cling firmly to the stems.

The yellow-green flowers grow in small, forked groups called cymes. Direct sun can give them a pink tint. The sources give different times for bloom. Chicago Botanic Garden lists January through February. LLIFLE lists summer as the bloom time. The slim stems give this plant its main visual appeal. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for use as a specimen plant. Allow for its spread when you choose a pot. Older clumps need width in the pot, not just depth.

Give it bright, filtered light or some direct sun. Chicago Botanic Garden lists full sun to part shade. LLIFLE suggests a mix for fleshy plants that drains fast. Water while it grows in warm weather, then give less in winter. LLIFLE suggests water about once a week in warmer months. At rest, it suggests three to four weeks between waterings. Change these gaps to suit the warmth and growth. Do not leave the roots wet for long periods.

Too much water can cause rot, with more risk in winter. Frost can harm this plant, so shield it from freezing weather. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 10–11 for it. LLIFLE says it can cope with about 45°F [7°C]. It also says the plant is fairly easy to grow. Growers can start new plants from cuttings or seed. The supplied sources give no food uses. They do not assess its safety.