Euphorbia atropurpurea comes from the Canary Isles and is hence one of the hardier species from this genus. It is a shrub that can reach 1.5-2 metres in height or more, with dichotomous fleshy branches with long pointed leaves and the inflorescence is in the form of a mass of bronze-purple or rarely yellowish (f. Lutea) bracts greater than 1 cm in size. It should not be confused with E. bravoana, which is endemic to the nearby island of La Gomera and also has purple-red bracts.