Where it grows
Euphorbia obesa is endemic to a small area of the Great Karoo near Graaff-Reinet, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Special features
These plants are uniquely shaped among Euphorbia, with a round growth form. They are often called the ‘baseball plant’ internationally. With age, they will begin to elongate and grow into a cylinder shape, but this takes many years.
They have up to eight ridges, with narrow green or purple bands running across the stem. They are diecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants needed for pollination. These plants flower in late spring and summer.
Care Guide
These Euphorbia are not fussy plants and reasonably easy to care for. Due to the fact that they originate from the Karoo, they prefer plenty of light and grow well when given either full morning sun or when grown under 40% shade cloth. They need to be kept in a gritty soil to ensure good drainage, as they are prone to root rot if kept wet. They should get plenty of water during the warmer months of the year, but should not get any water during winter, as they are dormant during this time.
Growing season
Spring and summer.
Propagation
Seeds.