Euphorbia hamata

Euphorbia hamata is a low succulent in the spurge family. Common names include deerhorn and cow milk bush. It comes from southwestern Namibia and South Africa’s western Cape region. Its range also reaches the southwestern Cape. It grows in a subtropical climate among low shrubs. Wild plants live among rocks, quartz gravel, and shale. Some sites have steep slopes and very little soil.

This thornless plant branches from its base into dense clumps. It reaches about 1 foot [0.3 m] tall. Larger plants may reach 1.5 feet [0.45 m]. Clumps can spread 1.5 feet [0.45 m] across. Thick, tuber-like roots merge into the stem base. The fleshy branches twist and bear raised, cone-shaped bumps. Young stems are pale green and may turn reddish purple in sun. Older sections turn grey. Small green leaves grow on the bumps, then fall early. Their shape ranges from oval to narrow and pointed.

Small flower cups, called cyathia, form at the branch tips. Green to red bracts surround each cup. The nectar glands range from yellow to red. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. LLIFLE lists winter as the flowering season. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from July through December. The fruit is a small, smooth, nearly round capsule. It holds grey, egg-shaped seeds with a finely bumpy surface.

This species suits pots and can form a swollen stem base. LLIFLE rates it as easy to grow and fairly fast. Give it plenty of light to keep growth compact. Chicago Botanic Garden lists full sun or partial shade. Some plants bleach under strong, hot sun all day. A mineral potting mix that drains freely suits it well. Moderate watering can continue through much of the year. Reduce water during the coldest winter period, when wet roots can rot.

Chicago Botanic Garden places it in USDA zones 9–11. LLIFLE advises dry winter rest near 39°F [4°C]. Healthy mature plants may withstand light frost. Outdoor plants need shelter from rain during cold weather. Grow new plants from seed or stem cuttings. Let cut ends dry for about a week before planting. Fresh cuttings can rot before they form roots. The dense, twisted stems give container plants their main visual interest.