Euphorbia Species

November 25, 2024 Post a Comment

Euphorbia species

The 8000 worldwide species of spurges are as ecologically diverse as the composites. They occupy most habitats and exhibit nearly every growth form used by plants. In fact, annuals, perennials, trees, succulents, C3, C4, and cam species can all be found in the single genus Euphorbia.

What species is Euphorbia?

Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the 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. Griseb.

How do I identify a Euphorbia species?

Euphorbias are home to very specific-looking flowers called a cyathium. Species of other genera have cyathia flowers, but if a plant bleeds white sap and has cyathium, chances are, it's a Euphorbia plant. To identify a cyathium, check the head of the flower.

What happens if you touch a Euphorbia?

SIDE EFFECTS FROM EUPHORBIA SAP These plants secrete a milky sap that can be poisonous to humans and animals. The sap is usually found on the leaves of the succulent. If someone gets it on any exposed skin, it can cause a rash. If Euphorbia sap gets into the eyes, it can result in redness and pain.

What is the most toxic Euphorbia?

Euphorbia tirucalli and certain other Euphorbia species contain a white latex that is among the most irritating plant substances described. Exposure to the sap can cause severe consequences in humans, most significantly following ocular contact, leading to blindness if left untreated.

Which Euphorbia is invasive?

Euphorbia esula can be found in scattered locations throughout northern California and crowding out native plant species. It can invade and dominate a variety of vegetation types, including prairies, grasslands and pine savannahs.

What is the most common Euphorbia?

The most well-known Euphorbia is the Poinsettia, which is a very popular plant for the Christmas holiday. You can find these potted plants at florists and garden centers in shades of bright red during the holiday season.

Is a Euphorbia a cactus or succulent?

Euphorbia Tirucalli These shrubby attractive plants are commonly known as Pencil cactus or Fire sticks succulent. They look attractive with tiny green leaves and have beautiful red, orange, or pink-colored stems. A native to South Africa, the Fire succulent grows up to 30 feet tall when grown outdoors as a landscape.

How toxic is Euphorbia to dogs?

The pencil cactus, or Euphorbia tirucalli, is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats worldwide and can cause serious intestinal and skin injury, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Do euphorbias spread?

Some euphorbia species such as E. amygdaloides var. robbiae (wood spurge) and E. cyparissias (Cypress spurge) spread widely by rhizomes and may become invasive.

Do euphorbias like sun or shade?

Euphorbias generally require a sunny position and fertile, well-drained soil. However, some varieties are shade tolerant and will thrive beneath trees and shrubs, as ground cover.

Does Euphorbia need sun or shade?

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.

Is Euphorbia cancerous?

Plants of the Euphorbiaceae family and particularly members of the Euphorbia genus have long been known to yield latexes with irritant and carcinogenic properties and these properties have been associated with diterpenes of the phorbol class.

What are the dangers of Euphorbia?

[1] Different species of Euphorbia grow all over the world, either wild, or as cultivated specimens in the house or garden. The milky latex or sap is toxic and may cause intense inflammation of the skin and the eye. [2] Ocular toxic reaction varies from mild conjunctivitis to severe kerato-uveitis.

Should Euphorbia be cut back?

Once the top growth begins to fade, it's a good idea to cut most euphorbias back to the ground to promote fresh basal growth, because they can get leggy and this shortens their lifespan. Care has to be taken when cutting them down however, because the milky white sap is a serious irritant.

What is the most toxic plant in the world?

Gardeners frequently employ the castor oil plant in their displays, however it contains the poison ricin, which can be fatal if consumed. The Guinness World Records consider it the world's most poisonous common plant.

What is the most poisonous plant in the world to humans?

The oleander, also known as laurel of flower or trinitaria, is a shrub plant (of Mediterranean origin and therefore, resistant to droughts) with intensely green leaves and whose leaves, flowers, stems, branches and seeds are all highly poisonous, hence it is also known as "the most poisonous plant in the world".

What do you do if you get Euphorbia sap on your skin?

Apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to the skin to reduce itching and blistering. Follow the directions on any creams and lotions.