The newly grown Euphorbia hamata leaves are elegantly shaped. Grown on stubby, cone-shaped “stalks” that remain after leaves depart as durable stem protrusions, the leaves curve and fold decorously here as if modesty requires upper surfaces to be hidden.

Pink and purple are signs of leaf maturity and imminent departure. The dull pale green leaf colour is nothing special, shared with the chlorophyll-filled stem surfaces.

Wavy margins are an optional extra adopted by most of the leaves; entire margins a standard adhered to by all. New beginnings may still sprout from upper leaf axils, determining where the new, taller stem-tip or multiple branches will elongate.