Pairs of hard, long stipular spines arise at the base of each leaf, but the leaf blade abscises, leaving the green succulent stem as the chief photosynthetic organ of this cactus-like euphorb, (Euphorbia Family Euphorbiaceae). Trees and shrubs of this general euphorb design are common in the dry habitats of Africa, Madagascar, and southwestern Asia. Succulent euphorbs, such as this species, exhibit CAM, Crassulacean acid metabolism. Copious amounts of white latex bleed from the stem when it is cut; the latex has many unusual chemicals, and when latex solidifies on the wound, it undoubtedly helps to seal the cut from disease and excessive loss of water.

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