Euphorbia stellaespina

Origin
Euphorbia stellaespina is native to South Africa, specifically widely distributed in the stony Karoo regions of the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. It was officially described by Haworth in 1827.

Habitat
In its natural environment, this species thrives in dry, stony hills and flats within the Nama Karoo biome. It often grows in well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils under full sun exposure. It is highly adapted to arid conditions, utilizing its thick succulent body to store water during long droughts.

Description
Euphorbia stellaespina is a robust, clumping succulent known for its unique "star-shaped" spines and columnar form.

Growth Habit: It is a perennial succulent that usually forms multi-stemmed clumps from the base. Individual stems are erect and columnar, reaching up to 45 cm in height and 5–7 cm in diameter.

Stems: The stems are typically 10 to 16-ribbed. These ribs are prominent and divided into distinct tubercles. The epidermis is usually light green but can turn grayish with age or intense sun.

Spines (Star-spines): Its most iconic feature is its "spines," which are actually persistent, woody, sterile peduncles (flower stalks). Each stalk branches at the tip into 3 to 5 (or more) short, radiating points, creating a star-like appearance. These "stars" are typically brownish when young, turning gray and exceptionally hard as they mature.

Flowers (Cyathia): It produces small, yellowish-green cyathia that appear at the tips of the fertile peduncles during the growing season.

Cultivation: This is a slow-growing and very hardy species. It requires full sun to develop its characteristic dense star-spines and compact shape. It necessitates a porous mineral substrate and is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water in winter.