Euphorbia tortirama aka Aibrohpue

Euphorbia tortirama comes from South Africa. Also called twisted spurge, it is a dwarf succulent. It belongs to Euphorbiaceae, the spurge family. Kew gives Limpopo as its native range. Records also list several districts in the former north-western Transvaal. It grows on stony ground in Mopane woodland. It also lives in desert or dry shrubland. Wild plants grow at heights of 2,297–4,101 feet [700–1,250 metres].

This plant lives for years. Its spiny, twisted branches form a tight clump. A swollen rootstock holds up the clump. Most of this thick root stays below ground. The main stem joins the root to form a carrot-like body. This ends in a thin taproot. The body can reach 0.98 feet [0.30 metres] long. It can reach 0.49 feet [0.15 metres] thick. Growers may leave the top of the rootstock exposed in pots. Growth is slow, but warmth, water, and feed can help.

Branches grow about 0.20–0.98 feet [0.06–0.30 metres] long. Young branches have two or three angles. They then twist into tight spirals. Their winged edges have raised bumps and spines. Each branch narrows at points that divide it into short sections. The spines grow shorter at these points. Tiny, fleshy leaves appear, but soon fall. Small flower parts called cyathia sit in cup-like involucres. Their yellow nectar glands touch each other. The fruit is a capsule with blunt lobes and no stalk. It holds smooth seeds that are almost round.

Growers keep twisted spurge for show in succulent collections. It needs heat and grows in full sun or light shade. It can cope with some deeper shade, too. Move shaded plants into strong sun in steps to avoid scorch. Use an airy mix and a pot with large drainage holes. Use mostly mineral matter in the mix, with little organic matter. Water at set times while the plant grows. Do not let the roots stay waterlogged. Keep it almost dry while it rests in winter. It can cope with drought, but care with water helps growth.

LLIFLE lists USDA zones 9–12. It reports survival at 21°F [−6°C]. A site free of frost is safer for outdoor growth. Too much water can cause rot, more so during rest. Summer feed can be a succulent fertilizer rich in potassium, with trace elements. Grow new plants from seed or branch cuttings. Let cut ends heal before planting, as fresh wounds can rot. Plants grown from seed may form a more even swollen rootstock than cuttings.