In the wild it is endangered because of over-collection and poaching, combined with its slow growth, and the fact that the pod contains only 2 to 3 seeds.

It almost always shows 8 ridges adorned with small deep gibbosity regularly planted on the edges.

In the wild, and with exposure to direct sunlight, it shows red and purple areas.

[2] Living in similar conditions on two different continents, Euphorbia obesa presents a form of convergence with Astrophytum asterias which is a cactus from Mexico.

In cultivation in the UK, Euphorbia obesa has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.