Origin and Habitat: Western Indian Ocean: SW Madagascar. Mahafaly region on the limestone plateau.

• Euphorbia genoudiana Ursch & Leandri

Bibliography: Euphorbia genoudiana is a small branched shrublet up to 25 cm high, with waxy slender stems heavily armed with waxy bone-colored thorns. In the upper regions of the stem, it produces grass-like leaves, up to 5 cm long and about 4 mm in width, giving the plant a most unusual appearance. It is similar in appearance to an Alluaudia or Didierea. The inflorescence is fairly short, usually bearing two to four flowers (cyathia) with five glossy yellow-orange nectar glands round which are two green cyathophylls tapering away to a curly tip, adding to the weirdness of the plant's appearance.
Derivation of specific name: This species was named after J. Genoud (fl. 1955), botanical assistant at the Scientific Research Institute, Madagascar.
Stems: Cylindrical to 25 cm tall. Branches thinner than in E. capuronii.
Leaves: In groups, ± 4 fasciculated on condensed branchlets, thread-like, linear, 4-5 cm long, 3-6 mm wide.
Stipular spines: Solitary, 5 - 15 mm long simple and divaricate, in 5 obscure series.
Inflorescences and cyathia: Similar to Euphorbia capuronii. Cymes 1- to 3-forked. Peduncle to15 mm long. Cyathophylls 5-6 mm long, spreading, ovate, long attenuated, the above part divaricate-revolute, greenish, apex long apiculate. Cyathia small. Nectar-glands 2-lipped yellow-orange. Ovary subglobose, subsessile.
Similar species: Euphorbia genoudiana is very similar to Euphorbia capuronii but the branches are thinner than in E. capuronii. This species is also a fairly close relative of Euphorbia milii var. splendens, which comes from Madagascar too, but it has a most unusual appearance, so much so it would hardly be associated with E. milii var. splendens.

Cultivation and Propagation: Euphorbia genoudianaSN|32349]]SN|32349]] is a slow-growing and cold-sensitive species, it can to grow in both pots and in the ground, in areas with a mild climate, but they can even be grown indoors.
Soil: They grow well in a very draining mineral potting substrate.
Fertilization: During the summer, they enjoy average feeding and watering.
Water requirements: It should be given a winter resting period at which time less water should be given.
Hardiness: When dormant, plants are not cold-tolerants, for safe cultivation it is best to avoid temperatures below 10° C. Responds well to warmth, with its active growth period in the late spring and summer months.
Sun Exposure: Requires bright light for best appearance.
Propagation: Usually by seeds, it can also It be propagated by cuttings; if you remove an offset, remember to let it dry for a week or so, letting the wound heal (cuttings planted too soon easily rot before they can grow roots). It is better to wash the cut to remove the latex.
Warning: As with all other Euphorbias, when a plant gets damaged it exudes a thick white milky sap known as latex. This latex is poisonous and may irritate skin, so pay extreme attention not to get any in your eyes or mouth.
Cultivated plants must be handled carefully.