Euphorbia geroldii (Thornless Euphorbia)

Endemic to northeastern Madagascar, this rounded, evergreen shrub has semi-succulent stems and smooth, glossy oval leaves. It lacks the thorns found in many related ornamental spurges. Two rounded red bracts surround each small flower cluster, called a cyathium, while the much smaller yellow structures at its center are the true flowers. The plant flowers freely and produces dry capsules that split open when mature. It is cultivated as an ornamental but is Critically Endangered in the wild. The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, and the plant is harmful if eaten. Photographed in Colombia.