One of the most remarkable species of Othonna, easily spotted by the thorny structures formed from the dried remnants of old inflorescences. The name probably comes from the resemblance to the spines of certain Euphorbia, though it could just as well be for the smooth chunky stem with shiny bronze bark that slowly exfoliates, or the small but thick blue succulent leaves. In ancient cliff-dwelling plants, the armature can weave into an imposing spiny mass that obscures the compact stems blackened by harsh sun and years without renewal. In cultivation, it tends to grow green-stemmed and lanky without strong light, but we’ve seen tortured seed-grown specimens kept pot-bound for decades by coastal California growers that look indistinguishable from their wild counterparts. Well distributed through winter-rainfall Namaqualand, its success likely comes from clever defenses and the wind-dispersed seed typical of its family, which also includes the dandelion. Easier than many winter-growing caudiciforms, it wants a dry summer and wakes when nights dip below 50°F. Cold climate indoor growers may have more success growing in an unheated room.
