Euphorbia caput-medusae

Medusa-headed Euphorbias are easily recognisable. They have a central head from which many snake-like arms (branches) grow, just like Medusa in Greek mythology. The arms can be sturdy and widely spaced, or long, snake-like and very close together.

The thickened central stem acts as a caudex for all medusa euphorbias. It is the central storage region and can serve as a reservoir of nutrients and moisture during times of stress. Many medusa euphorbias lose their arms during prolonged droughts and regrow them when the rains return.

Jellyfish come from a wide range of habitats, with the Cape Province of South Africa being the centre of jellyfish distribution, but all experience prolonged periods of low humidity. For many, cultivation is relatively easy, provided care is taken not to water during periods of dormancy.