South African succulent Euphorbia with white, fragrant flowers. One of the largest medusas. Like the others, it grows a central "head" with many "arms" (the venomous snakes of Greek mythology) radiating outward around it. The stem may grow a few inches high and wide, the total width of the plant a foot or so. The arms are relatively thick for this group. The white glands on the cyathia are bifid, with longish processes.

Best form in strong light. Usually grown from seed. Growth seriously retarded by underpotting. Vulnerable to scale (check the underside of the arms). Excellent landscape plant.

Very difficult to distinguish from E. huttoniae (formerly a variety of this species) when not in bloom. The nectar glands of huttoniae are usually yellow, never white. Some of the plants on this page may actually be huttoniae, which was recently separated.

E. huttoniae and inermis are both difficult to resolve from E. esculenta until they have flowered a couple of times.

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