This species, from southeastern Africa, is considered a form of E. clavigera, but we disagree. This species forms a thick underground caudex that produces a tuft of radiating blue-green branches. What makes this species distinctive are the markings on the branches, which have dark green half-circle spots all along the margins. Paired spines of irregular lengths decorate the margins as well. We consider this one of the best of the short-formed caudiciform Euphorbias. These plants are seedlings in 4-inch pots.