Euphorbia ammak (African Candelabra)

Euphorbia ammak is a striking arborescent succulent native to the Arabian Peninsula and parts of northeastern Africa, forming massive, upright, candelabra like columns with a strong architectural presence. The thick, four to five angled stems are armed with short paired spines along the ridges and display a pale blue green to gray green coloration. In habitat and in cultivation, plants can grow into imposing, tree sized specimens, developing a stout trunk and multiple ascending branches. The latex sap is typical of Euphorbia and is toxic and irritating, requiring care when handling or pruning.

In cultivation, the plant most commonly encountered is Euphorbia ammak variegata, valued for its dramatic creamy yellow to lime variegation that contrasts sharply with the green stem tissue and makes it especially popular in collections and landscape plantings. Euphorbia ammak prefers full sun to bright light, excellent drainage, and infrequent watering, with soil allowed to dry thoroughly between waterings. It is adapted to hot, arid conditions and performs best with warmth and air circulation. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, with minimum temperatures around 32F if kept dry; it is not frost tolerant and should be grown as a container or protected landscape plant in cooler regions.