Euphorbia Antisyphilitica, Candelilla

Candelilla (euphorbia antisyphilitica) has limited distribution in the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and south New Mexico but is locally common in some areas, such as Big Bend National Park. Stems are slender but rigid, light green in color, usually leafless, and covered in a waxy material that helps conserve water. Tiny flowers appear in spring, growing at irregular intervals along the upper half of the stems. They have five white petals, red at the base and underneath, with a cluster of white stamens at the center, topped by yellow anthers. The plant forms dense clumps and blooms throughout the summer, following significant rainfall.