Euphorbia flanaganii, native to South Africa, is one of the "medusoids", or plants forming a central basal "caudex" with "arms" arising from the basal area. This is the cristate form, which forms deep emerald green fan-shaped stems that resemble "green coral". Cristate forms generally occur when injury occurs to the plant at a young age (this damage can be due to insects eating the growing tip, or from many other causes, including a genetic predisposition). In reaction to the "injury", the cells at the tip of the branch where growth occurs begin to multiply at a much faster rate and the normal growing tip "goes crazy", creating fantastic whorls and fans.All Euphorbias contain a white sap that can be irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. Euphorbia flanaganii is also known as the Medusa plant. Hardy to just under 40 degrees f.