Euphorbia clava

Euphorbia clava, or club spurge, is a succulent shrub. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its native home lies in South Africa's Cape region. LLIFLE places it between Humansdorp and King William's Town. Kew classes its native climate as subtropical. It forms dense clumps, with young shoots shaped like clubs.

Plants reach about 2–5 feet (0.6–1.5 metres) tall. The upright stems are round, deep green, and ribbed. Rows of six-sided tubercles mark their surface. These raised bumps give the stems a patterned look. The plant has no spines. Its narrow, linear leaves have parallel edges and last well. Leaf colour ranges from bright green to blue-green. The club-shaped side shoots add to its distinct form.

Flowers appear from late winter into spring. The flower structures, called cyathia, sit on long stalks. Their bracts range from pale green to purple. Dry fruit pods split open and fling their seeds away. The stems, leaves, and flowers all contribute to its garden interest. LLIFLE describes fairly quick growth and a long life. Plants can become substantial landscape features within three to five years.

Grow this species in full sun with free-draining soil. It also accepts moderate shade, and young plants can grow indoors. Move shade-grown plants into sun in stages to avoid scorch. Use an open mix made chiefly from mineral materials. Pumice, lava grit, and clay are among the listed choices. Add only a small share of peat or leaf mould. Water regularly during active growth, from March through September. Do not let water collect around the roots. Keep the plant nearly dry through winter. It needs frost-free conditions, as frost can damage it.

Choose a site sheltered from strong winds. Wind can knock stems together and leave lasting scars. Mealybugs can attack it; scale occurs less often. A strong red tint may signal poor root development. Pruning can guide its shape and encourage branching. Take cuttings from late spring through summer. Let cut ends dry for one to two weeks before planting. Use loose, dry soil that drains very well. Its white sap can irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Wash exposed hands before touching your face or eyes.