Fascinating low succulent Euphorbia from Madagascar with a thick below-ground main stem and various side branches, each with rosettes at ground level. The leaves, which typically obscure the stems, are notoriously variable in shape, color, and size, often with dramatic vein patterns on the top surface. Cyathia are green or sometimes mauve, with yellow or green nectar glands. The main stem (derived from the hypocotyl) is wide at ground level (up to 3 inches or more) and tapers gradually to a tap root, given space to grow. Side stems bear lots of short (2-4mm), wavy stipules. From near Tolanaro in southern Madagascar, where it grows on sand. Propagated from seed and cuttings (which do not develop the same hefty caudex). Grow in part shade. Like other plants with below-ground stems, this plant is typically grown in a deep pot for several years to encourage stem development and then displayed in a smaller pot.

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Euphorbia francoisii is a caudex growing plant from Madagascar. This small plant grows best in a light, fast draining soil mix. Propagation has been easy using stem cuttings and seeds.
Though it flowers spring through fall for me, nature does not always pollinate the flowers (Cynthia) for me. I haven't tried pollinating them myself.
The flowers vary in color. I have seen pale green, pale yellow and a mix of green-yellow. The leaf color can also vary between plants. Some plants have a silvery touch to the green leaves, while others have a white or cream touch. Grown in direct sun, the leaves will turn reddish to burgundy.
This is an easy to grow succulent. Do not let it freeze. Do not let the soil stay wet. I water often during the growing season, spring through fall, and water sparingly, maybe once a month, in the winter. Sometimes I just mist them.

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