Euphorbia obesa

Overview

The botanical account describes a firm, unbranched stem, usually eight-angled. Young plants are nearly spherical; older stems elongate. Grey-green mottling and dull purple transverse bands distinguish its appearance from a generic green cactus. Rudimentary leaves soon fall.

The species is dioecious. Its cup-like cyathia contain highly reduced flowers; this reproductive structure belongs to a flowering spurge, despite the cactus-like silhouette. The illustration represents a young vegetative form without inventing large petals, spines or a sex diagnosis.

Kew accepts the species and two subspecies, placing it in Euphorbiaceae and Malpighiales. Its native range lies in the Cape Provinces, in dry shrubland or desert vegetation. The recognised infraspecific names and age-related stem shapes should not be treated as interchangeable classifications.

Origins & earliest records

The species was published in 1903; Kew’s accepted-name record distinguishes taxonomic history from a lineage origin date.

Evidence & interpretation

Botanical morphology and reproductive description are combined with Kew’s accepted taxonomy and distribution.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Euphorbia obesa

2. 02

   Euphorbia obesa Hook.f.

   Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: A succulent spurge, not a cactus; Kew recognises subspecies obesa and symmetrica.

1. FamilyEuphorbiaceae
2. OrderMalpighiales

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Retained indexed institutional textBotanical species accountResearch access: 2026-10-11
2. Indexed taxonomic authorityPlants of the World OnlineResearch access: 2026-10-11

Image credits

AI young ribbed baseball plant.

AI interpretation of a young vegetative baseball plant; dry setting imagined.