A cluster of sturdy, tall stems plus the usual side-branches characterise an old Euphorbia filiflora plant.

Grey or brown tubercles low down on the stems have younger green mates higher up, while the youngest stem-tip tubercles each sports a long leaf during the first winter. Something like the adolescent proclivity for long hair.

This phase ends soon, leaving only pointed scars in tubercle centres to show as they age (Frandsen, 2017; Williamson, 2010; iNaturalist; www.bihrmann.com).