Euphorbia caput-medusae

Euphorbia is a very large and widespread genus, ranging from tiny plants up to stout-trunked trees. Some kinds are pernicious weeds, while others are botanical treasures which are prized by collectors. Amongst the desirable members of the genus, a considerable number are succulent. One intriguing category of these is a group commonly called the medusoid euphorbias, which come from South Africa and adjacent countries. The name comes from their resemblance to Medusa, with snake-like cylindrical arms emerging from a central head. One of these in particular bears the Latin name of Euphorbia caput-medusae, the Medusa’s Head Euphorbia. Euphorbia caput-medusae comes from near Cape Town on South Africa’s west coast. Like other euphorbias, this species has an unusual floral structure called a cyathium, with a cup-like structure bearing the flower’s sexual parts, surrounded by a ring of five glands. In the case of E. caput-medusae, the glands have fringe-like white appendages which give them an attractive and distinctive look. Flowering occurs in early spring. We have had Euphorbia caput-medusae planted out in the garden for many years, and it has grown into a sizeable clump. It does not get any winter protection, and grows quite happily in all but the very coldest years. Our two weeks of freezing weather this January