Origin and Habitat: Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

• Euphorbia horrida f. monstruosa hort.

• Euphorbia horrida Boiss.
• Euphorbia horrida var. gigas hort., Lavranos

Description: Euphorbia horridaSN|13381]]SN|13381]] f. monstruosa is easily distinguishable and shows many growing variations with different monstrous shapes. The stems slowly branch from the base, forming irregular mounded clumps with more than 50 heads. There are several and variously shaped and sized crested forms.
Stems: Rubbery textured green, some only a few centimeters across, the plant looks more like a strange totem or some marine creature than a Euphorbia.
Ribs: Irregularly shaped, with flattened edges and long pointed tubercles.
Spines: Few normal spines (typical for the species) are located mainly on the upper part of the tubercles (not on the tip) The spines up to 25mm are actually the dried remnants of its flower stalks, and are very rigid.
Flowers: Some green and yellow flowers (followed by fruits and seeds) are produced on the stem's apexes in spring and summer.

Cultivation and Propagation: It is a pretty easy cultivar that grows well on its own roots. It grows well in a very draining mineral potting substrate, but it isn't picky about soil. The area to which this plant is native receives rains in both winter and summer, so it can be watered moderately all year around (except in the coldest month of the winter, as it rot easily especially if overly wet. During the summer, they enjoy average feeding and watering. Protect from frosts and freezes. But mature healthy plants can tolerate temperatures down to -4°C. It likes light shade to full sun, but hates the full sun in summer. Keep well ventilated, as it is prone to root rot.
Propagation: Basal suckers (It branches enthusiastically, and basal suckers are readily available). if you remove an offset, remember to let it dry for a week or so, to let the wound heal (cuttings planted too soon easily rot before they can grow roots). It is better to wash the cut to remove the latex.
Warning: As with all other Euphorbias when a plant get damaged it exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex is poisonous and may irritate skin. Pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes or mouth.
Cultivated plants must be handled carefully.