Among the dwarf, cushion-forming Madagascan euphorbias this is perhaps the most caudiciform. The typical subspecies is said to form a tuber as a seedling, but this is rarely observed as that subspecies is easily propagated from cuttings, which only form fibrous roots. Subspecies tuberifera, when grown from seed, forms a conspicuous rounded tuber that can grow to fist-size or larger. It is known only from a limited area east of the type subspecies in Alluaudia thorn forest between Amboasary and Fort Dauphin, Madagascar. Both subspecies display the distinctive, narrow, cylindrical, slightly curved leaves channeled on the upper surface. We offer HBG 104736, seedlings already developing charming caudexes. $12.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 83 (2), March - April, 2011