What are the flowers on Euphorbia?
In Euphorbias, the flowers are only small appendages growing out of a larger structure called the involucre. This structure is basically the body of the cyathium which comes off the main plant on short stems called peduncles.
How poisonous is Euphorbia?
The milky sap or latex of Euphorbia plant is highly toxic and an irritant to the skin and eye. This report illustrates the spectrum of ocular inflammation caused by accidental inoculation of latex of Euphorbia plant.
What is the English name of Euphorbia?
spurge
Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). “Euphorbia” is sometimes used in ordinary English to collectively refer to all members of Euphorbiaceae (in deference to the type genus), not just to members of the genus.
How do you identify Euphorbia?
Identifying Characteristics The distinctive red stems, leaves with finely toothed leaf apexes, and milky sap are all characteristics that help in the identification of sun spurge. From a distance, this plant might be confused with Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), which has very similar flowers.
Does Euphorbia bloom all summer?
Looking like a Koosh Ball, ‘Tiny Tim’ forms a perfect 1-foot dome of narrow blue-green leaves and a cloud of greenish-yellow bracts cupped under little red flowers. Unlike many spurges, this one continues to bloom throughout the season.
What is the life cycle of Euphorbia?
It has adapted to subtropical conditions. Common and very competitive weed of upland rice in the savanna zones of Africa. It can rapidly form a closed canopy, and it has a life cycle of only about 60 days from germination to seed setting contributing to a rapid build-up of the population.
Where are Euphorbia plants native?
Africa, Madagascar, and the Americas have the most species of native euphorbias, but there are species in Australia and Asia, too.
Does euphorbia like the sun?
Euphorbias in general are sun lovers, though some will tolerate partial shade. Those with deep-purple or reddish foliage will have more-intense coloring if planted in full sun.
Does euphorbia need direct sunlight?
Euphorbia plants prefer a spot in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days, though some species can tolerate part shade. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can be helpful for most species.
Why are euphorbias toxic?
All varieties of euphorbia produce a whitish latex sap upon being cut. The sap extruded is often toxic.
Is asthma plant poisonous?
The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200].