Euphorbia bothae occurs in the Eastern Cape, particularly in parts of the Fish River Valley. It has a somewhat spreading growth form, with low branching stems leaning on the ground with only the upper stem parts being erect. Stems have a bluish-green colour and are quite spiny.

Research on the black rhinoceros indicates that this plant forms part of its diet wherever the plant is available. Whether there are valuable nutrients in the plant for them to benefit from is not certain. Maybe it only helps for countering stomach parasites. Another possibility put forward is that substances in the plant get the rhinos a little high and they seek it out for this (www.wildwatch.com).