Medusa's head

Medusa’s head is a South African succulent with a short woody caudex and a spreading crown of knobbly, snake-like branches. The unusual branching form is the main ornamental feature, with small leaves and flower clusters appearing near the branch tips. ## Form and display The branches radiate from the center and can spread widely as the plant matures. Kew describes plants reaching about 1 metre across; the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens lists a spread of 3.3 feet and height up to 2.5 feet. Small leaves are most visible near branch tips, while the clustered flowers are modest. ## Growing conditions Provide bright light and sharply drained, sandy or rocky soil in a warm, dry setting. It is suited to succulent collections and containers where excess water can drain freely. Allow the soil to dry before watering and reduce water during winter dormancy. ## Maintenance Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Wear gloves and protect eyes when pruning because the milky latex can irritate skin and eyes. [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:345941-1/general-information) describes the species’ Cape distribution, succulent form, branches, and irritating latex; [Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens](https://www.pslbg.org/medusas-head/) provides cultivation and size guidance. ## Cape Town — 2004 barrier table scope and maintenance The [Cape Town veldfire planning guidelines](https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2C%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Ukuvuka%20Veldfire%20Related%20Planning%20Guidelines%202004-04-29.pdf), Annexure 1, section 3.3, include the following source entry or entries: Table 4 (Groundcovers): “Euphorbia caput-Medusae”. Exact source taxon or documented synonym; source category and conditions apply. The city's PDF timed out during this audit; these table cells and adjacent conditions were checked in the [indexed copy of the same April 2004 document](https://www.scribd.com/document/790764685/Ukuvuka-Veldfire-Related-Planning-Guidelines-2004-04-29). This records that historical source's guidance; check current local requirements and suitability before use. General source conditions: use broad-leaved, moisture-rich plants as potential screens at the fireward property edge; maintain an easy-to-walk-through garden and leaf litter no more than 15 mm deep. Avoid flammable plants under decks, against walls/wooden pillars or in hanging baskets. Remove accumulated garden refuse and dead material. No source listing guarantees survival or prevents all burning. Groundcover barriers are intended to remain low and reduce the passage of flames through the garden. Succulent leaf moisture helps, but persistent dead aloe leaves must be removed. Remove dry seasonal stems, especially on annual species; keep adjacent lawn short and avoid a continuous grass route from the boundary to the house. The broad “other prostrate ground covers” row remains unassigned and does not designate all groundcovers.