Euphorbia bupleurifolia aka Pine Cone Plant

Euphorbia bupleurifolia is a small succulent, a plant that stores water. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its names include pine-cone plant and rabbit-eared spurge. It comes from two South African provinces: Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It grows in grassland, open thicket, and savanna. Soil at these sites is often shallow, with sparse grass. The plant is widespread and fairly common within its range. People harvest large amounts for medicine in its western range. This raises concerns.

This plant grows slowly and has no spines. Its swollen trunk looks like a pine cone with leaves on top. The brown trunk may be round, barrel-shaped, or upright. Most plants have no branches, though some have a few. The stem reaches about 0.66 feet (0.2 metres) tall. It reaches about 0.25 feet (0.075 metres) thick. These sizes refer to the trunk, not the whole leafy plant. The trunk stores water but does not carry out photosynthesis. It cannot use light to make food. Raised, corky leaf scars form tight spirals on the trunk.

Light green leaves grow in dense tufts at the tip. They are lanceolate, with a narrow shape like a lance. They lack the fleshy feel of succulent leaves. Each leaf is about 0.23–0.49 feet (0.07–0.15 metres) long. Leaves grow in the wet season and fall during dry spells. Their narrow blades make the crown look like a palm. All parts of the plant hold milky sap.

Small flower structures called cyathia grow at the crown in spring. Each grows alone within two oval bracts, or modified leaves. They start yellow-green, then gain red tones as they age. Each cyathium is about 0.016–0.023 feet (0.005–0.007 metres) across. The flower stalks fall off once they dry. The fruit has blunt lobes and almost no stalk. It measures about 0.03 feet (0.009 metres) across. The seeds are smooth and shaped like eggs.

This plant suits pots but needs care, not neglect. It can also grow outdoors in a mild climate. Use a mineral potting mix that lets water drain well. Keep winter temperatures at or above 50°F (10°C). Dry plants at rest can stand somewhat cooler conditions. Growers most often raise new plants from seed. The supplied sources describe harvests for medicine but give no safe medicinal use. They give no food uses or guidance on toxicity. They name no pests or diseases.