Euphorbia grandidens (Valleybush Euphorbia)

Euphorbia grandidens (Valleybush Euphorbia) is a large shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It has dark green foliage with pale, yellowish-green veins and sharp, pointy leaf tips. This plant thrives best in full sun with moderate water but can tolerate some drought and frost.

Despite its low maintenance requirements, Euphorbia grandidens is considered an irritating plant because its leaves contain a milky latex that can trigger skin rashes or eye irritation. However, it has many ethnomedical benefits, such as relieving inflammation, treating fever, and preventing certain cancers.

The plant has thorny, spiny foliage, which can be dangerous for gardeners and house pets. It can still thrive in USDA zones 9-11 when grown in a pot. If you live in a colder region, you should bring the pot indoors before the weather gets too cold and make sure it has plenty of bright light and water. Euphorbia grandidens prefers dry soil, so avoid over-watering.

This succulent has a unique appearance with a distinctive main trunk that supports a few slender, often drooping secondary branches. Each branch bears its own whorl of long and thin foliage, which is more flexible than other euphorbias. Overall, Euphorbia grandidens is an attractive, low-maintenance succulent with a long lifespan and many health benefits. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add an interesting and highly useful plant to their garden.