Say it: you-FOR-bee-uh oh-BEE-suh. Common names: baseball plant, sea urchin plant. Not a cactus — a succulent spurge from Africa that evolved the same shape.
Where it grows
A small area of the Great Karoo in South Africa's Eastern Cape, among rocks in dry scrub. Wild populations were badly depleted by collectors, and the species is now protected; virtually every plant sold is seed-grown.
Size and growth
A nearly perfect sphere with 8 shallow ribs and fine purple-and-green cross-banding, like a stitched baseball. Up to 6 inches across; very old plants become slightly columnar. Moderate growth — about an inch across in the first year from seed, faster than most people expect.
Flowers
Tiny yellow-green flowers from the crown in summer. Plants are male or female, and you need one of each to set seed, which is why we offer sexed pairs.
Care
- Light: bright light to partial sun; strong afternoon sun can scorch it.
- Water: when dry in warm months, very little in winter.
- Soil: gritty and fast-draining.
- Cold: keep above about 50°F.
- Caution: the white sap is irritating. Handle cut plants with gloves and keep away from eyes.
From seed
Very easy, with germination rates often above 90%. Sow on a fine mix, keep warm and lightly moist, and expect sprouts in 7–14 days. Seedlings look like tiny green marbles from the start.
Euphorbia obesa seeds · Seed-grown plants · Male and female pair