Euphorbia didiereoides

Euphorbia didiereoides is a spiny shrub from southern Madagascar. It stays green all year. It belongs to Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family. Kew calls it a shrub or subshrub with some succulent growth. It grows in dry scrub and desert sites. Other records place it on rocks amid grasslands and plateaus. Its range spans sea level to 2,297 feet [700 metres]. These records place it in the dry, lowland tropics.

Many stems grow straight up from the plant's base. They form a clump with strong upright lines. Useful Tropical Plants lists its height as 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The fuller account gives heights up to 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. The thickest stem bases measure 0.49 feet [0.15 metres] across. Stems taper to about 0.10 feet [0.03 metres] at their tips. They have many short branches. These measure just 0.03–0.07 feet [0.01–0.02 metres] long. Dense spines cover the stems. All parts yield large amounts of latex.

Growers keep this species in pots for its looks. Its upright stems and dense spines are its main described traits. The sources give no tested light or watering plan. They give no frost limit or hardiness zone, either. Its dry home range alone does not prove its care needs. Growers can raise new plants from seeds or stem pieces. The cited method uses cuttings at least 0.66 feet [0.20 metres] long. It calls for shade for a week or more before planting. This wait lets the cut end form a callus.

Local people sometimes gather wild plants for use as medicine. Reports describe treatments made from boiled leaves. People use these for coughs and blood in urine. They also use them for urinary and genital infections. The account lists use for an enlarged prostate, too. These reports describe folk use, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known food use for this species. Its hazard note applies to the genus as a whole. It does not report tested effects for this species alone.

The species has a small range and faces several threats. Loss of habitat, fires, and plant trade gathering reduce wild numbers. Useful Tropical Plants cites a 2011 assessment that classed it as Endangered. The supplied evidence gives no pest or disease account for this species. It gives no flower or fruit details, nor a bloom season.