Although this easily recognised species is known as the most thorny Euphorbia of Madagascar, it is the most important fodder resource for livestock during the dry season in the area where it occurs naturally. For this reason, it is now being propagated by cuttings to increase production.
It grows into a much-branched tree up to 4.5 m tall. Especially in the young stage, the branch tips taper into sharp thorns. The leaves are much reduced and short-lived.
The species is common in open forest on limestone or sandy soils in the south and southwest of the island, within a distance of about 50 km from the ocean (the coastal plain of the Mahafaly plateau region).
