Euphorbia ferox

      From the Great Karoo region of South Africa, Euphorbia ferox (ferox = fierce) is aptly named for the fierce looking purplish spines on the stems. They are actually not spines at all but rather vestigial flower stalks. A low columnar succulent that branches at the base, it will eventually form an impressive mound of spiny plants.
     I have several of these. One in the ground and the rest in pots. They seem to be fairly easy to grow.