Euphorbia guentheri aka Sausage Spurge

Euphorbia guentheri, or sausage spurge, is a succulent from Kenya. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The name Monadenium guentheri refers to the same species. Records place it in southeastern Kenya, near Buru Mountain. LLIFLE reports it only from the site of its original collection. There, it grows among grasses in open scrub. Its habitat lies at 2,950–3,280 feet [900–1,000 metres] above sea level. Kew places it in desert or dry shrubland.

This perennial has a thick, fleshy rootstock and many stems. The stems grow upright or lean along the ground. Upright stems reach about 0.5–2 feet [0.15–0.6 metres] tall. Trailing stems can reach 3 feet [0.9 metres] long. Each stem stays unbranched and bears raised, cone-shaped tubercles. These form a clear pattern across the fleshy surface. Small prickles cluster around each leaf base or old leaf scar. The fleshy leaves curve like a sickle and fall seasonally. Their edges may have a slight wave.

The small flower structures, called cyathia, grow beside the tubercles. Each short stalk carries one or two of them. Two joined bracts form a cup around the flowers. These bracts are greenish white, with pink or purple markings. A red nectar gland forms a rim at the top. The fruit is a small capsule with three sharp lobes. Each angle carries two narrow, fleshy wings with toothed edges. The grey seeds are oblong and have four angles.

This species adapts to cultivation without much trouble. It grows at a moderately fast pace. It tolerates moderate shade and can also take full sun. Move shade-grown plants into stronger light in stages to prevent scorch. Use a loose succulent mix that drains fast. Mineral materials should make up most of the potting mix. Add only a little peat or leaf mould. Small pots suit it; repot in late winter or early spring.

Water during active growth in hot weather, roughly once weekly. Reduce watering in winter and whenever growth stops. Long wet spells can cause rot, with greater risk in winter. Protect the plant from frost, since it cannot withstand freezing. The source reports that it handles 45°F [7°C] with ease. Growers can raise new plants from seeds or cuttings.