Euphorbia inermis aka Pickle Cactus

Euphorbia inermis is a succulent from South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its common names include Medusa’s Head and Green Crown. These names suit its ring of spreading, finger-like branches. The plant forms a low cluster around a thick centre. It can reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] across. Its form and flowers give it ornamental interest.

The central stem, or caudex, stays mostly below the soil. It reaches about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] in width. Below it lies a large, fleshy tuberous root. The top of the caudex is flat or sunken. Crowded branches grow in several rings around this centre. They overlap, with each ring partly covering the next. Viewed from above, the branches form a spiral pattern. The central stem rises little above the ground.

The branches may stand upright or spread as they rise. Their shape ranges from club-like to long and round. They measure about 0.13–0.82 feet [0.04–0.25 metres] long. In cultivation, they can grow longer and become snake-like. Their colour ranges from grey-green to blue-green or dull green. They have no hairs. Raised, diamond-shaped bumps, called tubercles, cover their surface. Each bump bears a small, white leaf scar. The tiny, pointed leaves are oval and fall off soon.

Flowers appear in spring and summer near the branch tips. They are fragrant and may look white or yellow. The flower units are called cyathia and have cup-shaped bases. Each grows alone in the axil of a tubercle. Small, scale-like bracts sit beneath these flower units. The cups usually bear five nectar glands, though some have four. The glands can be green and white or wholly white. Their edges may fork, form teeth, or divide into finer parts. Hairy lobes and woolly white bracteoles add to the flower display.

One plant carries both male and female flowers. The fruit is a small, rounded capsule with three angles. Its surface may be smooth or have a few hairs. Dark brown seeds are oval, with four slight angles. Fine bumps mark one side; the other side is smooth. The plant produces a harsh, milky sap that can cause burns.