This is an evergreen, tree-like Euphorbia growing to 7.5 m by 5 m at a medium rate and forming either large stands or growing as a solitary plant. The thick, green main trunk, which becomes woody with age, supports many 5- to 8-angled, branching stems. The leaves form on young growth at the end of the branches but fall in the dry season. At intervals along the stem angles or ribs are small, rounded structures from which leaves, flowers or spines may grow. The male flowers are reduced to a single stamen and the female flowers consist of a stalked pistil with branched stigmas. The flowers are without petals but are surrounded by noticeable yellow bracts.