Euphorbia milii splendens is a spiny, low growing, succulent shrub with the most awfully sharp prickly stems - a great deterrent to pets, kids etc.
Like all Euphorbias, what appear to be the bright red petals are in fact bracts. The real flowers however are tiny and creamy yellow, called the cyathia. There are new cultivars available with pink, white, cream and orange bracts.
Classified as a shrub, it's also a natural climber, or can be used as a ground cover.
They are one of the toughest plants you'll find and can be maltreated without being fatal - especially full western sun, coastal conditions, cold and drought, but they will always do best in moderated conditions.