Baseball Plant

Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant) is a succulent native to the Great Karoo of the Northern Cape, South Africa. Its perfectly spherical to cylindrical body, marked by 8–12 longitudinal ribs and brownish-green banding, closely resembles a cactus but is entirely unrelated. Mature plants reach 5–15 cm in diameter after very slow growth over many years. The species is dioecious, bearing tiny cyathia (reduced flowers) at the stem apex in spring. Wild populations have been severely depleted by overcollection, and the species is listed under CITES Appendix II. Cultivation requires minimal watering—once or twice monthly during the growing season and barely at all in winter—full sun, and excellent drainage. The milky latex is toxic and irritating; contact with broken tissue should be avoided. Seed propagation requires plants of both sexes.

Minimal