# African Milk Barrel (Euphorbia horrida)

> Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Euphorbia horrida is a prime example of convergent evolution mimicking columnar cacti, characterized by heavily ribbed, glaucous green-to-silver stems. The formidable 'spines' along the margins are actually persistent, woody flower peduncles that harden into defensive armaments. Like all euphorbias, it contains a caustic, toxic milky white latex sap released upon the slightest tissue damage.

- **Scientific Name:** *Euphorbia horrida*
- **Botanical Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Moderate (2/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -2°C (USDA Zone 9b) - Tolerates brief, dry light freezes, but best kept above 5°C to avoid chilling damage.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/euphorbia-horrida
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/euphorbia-horrida.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_euphorbia_horrida.webp?v=1794144634

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires full sun to very bright filtered light; a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight ensures compact growth, glaucous coloration, and prominent spiny ridges.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Apply the 'soak and dry' method, allowing the substrate to dry out 100% between waterings. Reduce watering drastically or withhold completely during winter dormancy.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

65% Gritty mineral substrate (pumice, crushed lava rock, zeolite) + 35% low-organic succulent soil.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-2°C (USDA Zone 9b) - Tolerates brief, dry light freezes, but best kept above 5°C to avoid chilling damage.

## Propagation Methods

Basal offset division or seed. When taking offsets, rinse off the milky latex with cold water, allow cut surfaces to callous for 1-2 weeks before rooting.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Afrika Süt Fıçısı (Euphorbia horrida)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/euphorbia-horrida.md)
- [DE: Afrikanisches Milchfass (Euphorbia horrida)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/euphorbia-horrida.md)
- [ES: Barril de Leche Africano (Euphorbia horrida)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/euphorbia-horrida.md)