Monadenium coccineum

Masai Spurge is a succulent member of the Euphorbia family named for the Maasai tribe of East Africa. This Nilotec ethnic group of pastoral and hunting people are known by the bright red robes they wear. This plant’s flowers (termed cyathia) are indeed an intense red and highly noticeable. From northern Tanzania, it has slender angled stems and will sometimes form a caudex (swollen base) at ground level. We love growing this unique and seldom seen plant in a container so we can bring it inside for winter. It is easy to grow but does occasionally need watering in summer. During prolonged dry periods it may drop its leaves, but they regrow later. The milky sap from plants in the Euphorbia family may irritate the skin of some people.