E. eilensis CarterE. eilensis

Distribution: Somalia; in small erosion pockets of an exposed limestone plateau with a few prostrate xerophytic shrub; at 215 m altitude (picture from habitat).

Description: Dwarf euphorbia, densely branching to form tufts of up to 2 cm height and 5 cm in diameter, with a thick, fleshy root; branches 7 mm in diameter, 2 to 3 cm long, sometimes rhizomatous and 7 cm long, terete, with prominent rounded tubercles in 5 slightly spiral series; spine shields separate, obovate, blackish, spines in pairs, 3 to 10 mm long, slender, flexible; leaves rudimentary, soon deciduous; cymes solitary, consisting of 3 cyathia, peduncles 2 mm long, cyathia 2.5 mm in diameter, involucrum funnel-shaped, 5 glands, contiguous to form a complete ring, brownish-yellow. (Herbar specimen)

Cultivation: Sensitive species, keep dry during winter, minimum temperature 14 °C; propagation by seeds and cuttings.

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