Euphorbia pulvinata is also sometimes called the pincushion euphorbia. When in flower it resembles a kaleidoscope picture or a grandmother's crocheted tablecloth. Like E. enopla, this is another clumping, globular plant with long spines. It grows naturally mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, but also occurs more widely in the eastern parts of South Africa, as well as in Lesotho.

In cultivation E. pulvinata requires full sun, little watering and good drainage. Don't plant this one if your life expectancy is not reasonably good, unless you believe your plants should be a legacy.