EN

Euphorbia quadrilatera

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Euphorbia quadrilatera faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded much of its natural thicket habitat, while invasive plant species compete for resources in remaining fragments. The species' slow growth rate and specialized habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are disturbed.

Threat summary

Habitat

This succulent shrub is endemic to the Albany Thicket biome of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, where it grows in dense, spiny vegetation on rocky slopes and well-drained soils. It typically occurs in areas with winter rainfall patterns and is adapted to the region's semi-arid conditions.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in EUPHORBIACEAE

CR

Paracroton sterrhopodus

Unknown
EN

Bernardia mollis

Declining
EN

Bernardia oblanceolata

Declining
VU

Mallotus macularis

Stable

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Euphorbia quadrilatera classified as Endangered?
Euphorbia quadrilatera is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Euphorbia quadrilatera faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded much of its natural thicket habitat, while invasive plant species compete for resources in remaining fragments. The species' slow growth rate and specialized habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are disturbed.
Where does Euphorbia quadrilatera live?
Euphorbia quadrilatera occurs in Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Euphorbia quadrilatera?
The main threats to Euphorbia quadrilatera are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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