8-10cm Euphorbia bupleurifolia

A beloved member of the Euphorbiaceae family, this exceptional succulent native to South Africa features a striking tuberous growth habit centered around its scaly, armor-like caudex—the swollen basal stem that forms the plant’s base, growing into a rounded or irregular shape with thick, corky, hexagonal scales resembling ancient armor (hence its "铁甲麒麟" name). Mature caudices reach 10-15cm in diameter, while the above-ground growth develops an umbrella-like branching pattern: multiple thin, upright stems emerge from the caudex top, arching slightly outward to form a dome shape, reaching 20-30cm tall. The stems are slender (0.5-1cm in diameter) with a smooth green epidermis, and small, narrow leaves grow in clusters at stem tips during growing seasons, adding a delicate fern-like contrast to the tough caudex. When exposed to bright light, the caudex scales deepen to a rich brown, enhancing its "iron armor" appearance, making it a standout in bonsai-style displays or succulent arrangements.