Euphorbia heterophylla

Painted Euphorbia

Plant Info

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Sublass:	Rosidae
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily:	Euphorbioideae
Tribe:	Euphorbieae
Subtribe:	Euphorbiinae
Genus:	Euphorbia
Species:	E. heterophylla

Binomial name

Euphorbia heterophylla
L.

The (Mexican) Fireplant, also known as Painted Euphorbia, Desert Poinsettia, Paint Leaf or Kaliko plant, is the spurge Euphorbia heterophylla. It is a native plant of Mexico, and spreads from California to east Texas and to much of Central America.

Toxicity is documented in most members of the genus Euphorbia. Individuals sensitive to latex are known to have strong reactions, including dermatitis and anaphylaxis to the sap exuded by this plant. Stories of this plant's edibility are anecdotal.