Euphorbia canariensis aka Canary Island Spurge

Euphorbia canariensis is a succulent shrub from the Canary Islands. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Common names include Canary Island spurge and Hercules Club. Its native range lies within a subtropical climate. It grows on coastal cliffs and in dry lava beds. It also grows on south-facing slopes across the islands. Its habitat reaches from sea level to about 3,609 feet [1,100 metres]. These sites include both dry and humid coastal settings.

Plants reach about 3–10 feet [1–3 metres] in height. Some reach 13 feet [4 metres]. Many stout stems rise from the base, forming a clump. A single trunk can produce more than 150 branches. This gives the shrub its candelabra-like shape. The upright stems look like those of a cactus. They store water in thick, fleshy tissue. Each can reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] across. Side branches bend near their base, then grow straight upward.

The smooth stems range from deep green to reddish tones. Most have four angles, though some have five or six. The columns may show a slight twist. Their broad, flat faces meet at blunt, brown edges. Paired dark spines line these edges in neat rows. The spines may be straight or curve like small horns. Their dark surfaces have a glossy sheen.

Flowers range from dark red to green tinged with red. Each head holds both male and female flowers. The male flowers surround a single central female flower. A divided involucrum encloses the head, with five outer glands. The female flower has a stalked ovary and three-forked stigma. Mature plants bear maroon fruit that hangs beyond the involucrum. The source describes each fruit as holding one suspended seed.

In cultivation, this species needs full sun and good drainage. An airy mix with mostly mineral material suits it. Suggested ingredients include pumice and lava grit, with little organic matter. LLIFLE describes it as easy to grow and relatively fast-growing. Its branching shape gives it value as a landscape plant. Once established, it can remain in place for years. Strong red colouring can signal poor root development. Its latex contains diterpenes and is highly poisonous. This is not a plant to treat as food.