Euphorbia stenoclada aka Silver Thicket

Euphorbia stenoclada, or silver thicket, is a succulent shrub or tree. It is part of Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family. It is native to Madagascar and Europa Island in the Mozambique Channel. It grows in dry shrubland, coastal forest, and rocky sites. In Madagascar, it grows on lime-rich dunes and marble outcrops. Fire, mining, and land clearing threaten its habitat. Making charcoal poses a threat too.

Plants grow about 3–15 feet [1–4.5 metres] tall. Some reach 20 feet [6 metres]. Many branches form a round bush or flat-topped tree. Plants can also form thickets. The trunk has rough bark with loose scales. Its width reaches about 0.3–0.7 feet [0.1–0.2 metres]. The pale grey-green crown gives the plant its silver look. Short, fleshy branches have a waxy coat. Smaller twigs often end in pairs of flat, sharp branchlets. Some plants lack these spines. Leaves are absent or fall soon after they appear.

Small groups of flowers crowd the branch tips. These flower structures are called cyathia. Their tones range from purple to crimson. Chicago Botanic Garden reports green buds and red bracts. It also notes orange pollen and blooms from January to February. The fruit is small, hairy, and almost round. The seeds are round as well. Its odd shape suits use as a single specimen plant. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists it as deer resistant. LLIFLE reports that people use it to feed zebus. That use does not show it is safe for people to eat.

Grow silver thicket in full sun and soil that drains well. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists part shade as suitable. For pots, use an open mix made mostly of mineral grit. LLIFLE suggests pumice, lava grit, and a little organic matter. Water while it grows, from March through September. Do not leave water standing around the roots. Keep the root zone almost dry through winter. Chicago Botanic Garden places it in USDA zones 10–11. Young plants can grow indoors but may soon reach ceiling height.

LLIFLE says this species is easy to grow. It grows at a somewhat fast rate. Its sharp branches can make changing pots hard. Strong winds may knock branches together and leave lasting scars. Take cuttings to raise new plants in late spring or summer. LLIFLE says to dry them for a week before planting. Use loose, dry soil that drains well for these cuttings. Handle the plant with care. Its milky sap can irritate skin.