A native of Morocco, the Mediterranean and Iran, Euphorbia rigida thrives in well-drained soils in full sun. It has a lax habit, having young growths which are initially erect, and then arch and spread to produce an open mound approximately 60cm in height and spread. In spring E. rigida produces terminal umbels of brilliant yellow cyathia which sit in yellow involucres, and these take on reddish hues as they age. The fleshy stems and leaves contain a milky sap typical of members of the genus. Euphorbia is a diverse genus comprising annuals, biennials, evergreen, semi-evergreen or herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees and succulents, which occur inn temperate, subtropical and tropical habitats.