94,129
edits
Changes
From Gardenology.org - Plant Encyclopedia and Gardening Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
m
1 revision(s)
{{Taxobox
| image = Euphorbia February 2008-2.jpg
| image_caption = ''Euphorbia cf. serrata''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| subclassis = [[Rosidae]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Eurosids I]]
| ordo = [[Ericales]]
| ordo = [[Malpighiales]]
| familia = [[Euphorbiaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Euphorbioideae]]
| tribus = [[Euphorbieae]]
| subtribus = '''Euphorbiinae'''
| genus = '''''Euphorbia'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| diversity_link = List of Euphorbia species
| diversity = c.2160 species
| type_species = ''[[Euphorbia serrata]]''
| type_species_authority =
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subgenera]]
| subdivision =
''[[Chamaesyce]]''<br />
''[[Esula]]''<br />
''[[Euphorbia (subgenus)|Euphorbia]]''<br />
''[[Rhizanthium]]''<br />
and see [[#Subgenera|below]]
| synonyms =
''Chamaesyce''<br />
''Elaeophorbia''<br />
''Endadenium''<br />
''Monadenium''<br />
''Synadenium''<br />
''Pedilanthus''
}}
'''''Euphorbia''''' is a [[genus]] of [[plant]]s belonging to the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Euphorbiaceae]]. Consisting of about 2160 [[species]], ''Euphorbia'' is one of the most diverse genera in the plant kingdom. Members of the family and genus are sometimes referred to ''Spurges''. The genus is primarily found in the [[tropical]] and [[subtropical]] regions of [[Africa]] and the [[Americas]], but also in [[temperate zone]]s worldwide. [[Succulent]] species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and [[Madagascar]]. There exists a wide range of [[island|insular]] species, namely on the [[Hawaiian Islands]] where spurges are collectively known as '''''ʻakoko'''''{{Verify source|date=November 2007}}<!-- "a" does not seem to be macronized (kahakõ), but check to be sure - not in Pukui/Elbert pocket dictionary -->
The [[common name]] "spurge" derives from the [[Middle English]]/[[Old French]] ''espurge'' ("to purge"), due to the use of the plants sap as a [[purgative]].
The [[botanical name]] ''Euphorbia'' derives from [[Euphorbus (physician)|Euphorbus]], the [[Roman Greece|Greek]] [[physician]] of king [[Juba II]] of [[Numidia]] (52-50 BC - 23 AD). He is reported to have used a certain plant, possibly [[Resin Spurge]] (''E. resinifera''), as a [[herbalism|herbal]] remedy when the king suffered from a swollen belly{{Verify source|date=November 2007}}<!-- original text was jumbled - this is the best I can make of it. E. resinifera is apparently a powerful painkiller and may also act as a purgative; maybe Juba had a bad case of indigestion or flatulence -->. [[Carolus Linnaeus]] assigned the name ''Euphorbia'' to the entire genus in the physician's honor.<ref>Linnaeus (1753): p.450</ref>
Juba II himself was a noted patron of the arts and sciences and sponsored several expeditions and biological research. He also was a notable author, writing several scholarly and popular scientific works such as treatises on natural history or a best-selling traveller's guide to [[Arabia]]. ''[[Euphorbia regisjubae]]'' ([[King Juba's Euphorbia]]) was named to honor the king's contributions to natural history and his role in bringing the genus to notice.
== Description ==
The plants are [[annual plant|annual]] or [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]]s, woody [[shrub]]s or [[trees]] with a caustic, poisonous milky sap ([[latex]]). The [[root]]s are fine or thick and fleshy or tuberous. Many species are more or less [[succulent plant|succulent]], thorny or unarmed. The main stem and mostly also the side arms of the succulent species are thick and fleshy, 15-91 cm (6-36 inches) tall. The deciduous [[leaf|leaves]] are opposite, alternate or in whorls. In succulent species the leaves are mostly small and short-lived. The [[stipule]]s are mostly small, partly transformed into [[spine (botany)|spine]]s or [[gland]]s, or missing.
Like all members of the family Euphorbiaceae, all spurges have unisexual [[flower]]s. In ''Euphorbia'' these are greatly reduced and grouped into [[pseudanthium|pseudanthia]] called [[cyathium|cyathia]].
The majority of species are [[monoecious]] (bearing male and female flowers on the same plant), although some are [[dioecious]] with male and female flowers occurring on different plants. It is not unusual for the central cyathia of a [[cyme]] to be purely male, and for lateral cyathia to carry both sexes. Sometimes young plants or those growing under unfavourable conditions are male only, and only produce female flowers in the cyathia with maturity or as growing conditions improve.
The [[bract]]s are often leaf-like, sometimes brightly coloured and attractive, sometimes reduced to tiny scales.
The [[fruit]]s are three (rarely two) compartment [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]]s, sometimes fleshy but almost always ripening to a woody container that then splits open (explosively). The [[seed]]s are 4-angled, oval or spherical, and in some species have a [[Elaiosome|caruncle]].
===Xerophytes and succulents===
In the genus ''Euphorbia'' succulence in the species has often evolved divergently and to differing degrees. Sometimes it is difficult to decide, and it is a question of interpretation, whether or not a species is really succulent or "only" [[xerophytic]]. In some cases, especially with [[geophyte]]s, plants closely related to the succulents are normal herbs. About 850 species are succulent in the strictest sense. If one includes slightly succulent and xerophytic species, this figure rises to about 1000, representing about 45% of all ''Euphorbia'' species.
=== Toxicity ===
The latex (milky sap) of spurges acts as a deterrent for [[herbivore]]s as well as a wound healer. Usually it is white, but in rare cases (e.g. ''[[Euphorbia abdelkuri|E. abdelkuri]]'') yellow. As it is under pressure, it runs out from the slightest wound and congeals within a few minutes of contact with the air. Among the component parts are many [[terpene|di- or tri-terpen]] [[ester]]s, which can vary in composition according to species, and in some cases the variant may be typical of that species. The terpen ester composition determines how caustic and irritating to the skin it is. In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) the latex can produce extremely painful [[inflammation]]. In experiments with animals it was found that the terpen ester [[resiniferatoxin]] had an irritating effect 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than [[capsaicin]], the "hot" substance found in [[chillies]]. Several terpen esters are also known to be [[cancer|carcinogenic]].
Therefore spurges should be handled with caution. Latex coming in contact with the skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Partially or completely congealed latex is often no longer soluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsion (milk, hand-cream). A physician should be consulted regarding any inflammation of a mucous membrane. It has been noticed, when cutting large succulent spurges in a greenhouse, that vapours from the latex spread and can cause severe irritation to the eyes and air passages several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required. Small children and domestic pets should be kept from contact with spurges.
==Uses==
Several spurges are grown as garden plants, among them [[Poinsettia]] (''E. pulcherrima'') and the succulent ''[[Euphorbia trigona|E. trigona]]''. ''[[Euphorbia pekinensis|E. pekinensis]]'' (Chinese: [[wikt:大|大]][[wikt:戟|戟]]; pinyin: dàjǐ) is used in [[traditional Chinese medicine]], where it is regarded as one of the [[Chinese herbology#50 fundamental herbs|50 fundamental herbs]]. Several ''Euphorbia'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] (butterflies and moths), including the [[Giant Leopard Moth]].
== Systematics and taxonomy ==
According to recent studies of [[DNA sequence]] data<ref name = dnaphylogeny>Steinmann & Porter (2002), Steinmann (2003), Bruyns ''et al.'' (2006)</ref> most of the smaller "satellite genera" around the huge genus ''Euphorbia'' nest deep within the latter. Consequently these [[taxa]], namely the never generally accepted genus '''''Chamaesyce''''' as well as the smaller genera ''[[Cubanthus]]'',<ref name = cubanthus> Steinmann, van Ee, Berry & Gutiérrez (2007) in Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid</ref> '''''Elaeophorbia''''', '''''Endadenium''''', '''''Monadenium''''', '''''Synadenium'''''
and '''''Pedilanthus''''' were transferred to ''Euphorbia''. The entire [[subtribe]] Euphorbiinae now consists solely of the genus ''Euphorbia''.
=== Selected species ===
See [[List of Euphorbia species]] for complete list.
* ''[[Euphorbia albomarginata]]'' – Rattlesnake Weed, White-margined Sandmat
* ''[[Euphorbia amygdaloides]]'' – Wood Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia antisyphilitica]]'' – Candelilla
* ''[[Euphorbia bulbispina]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia cyparissias]]'' – Cypress Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia decidua]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia elastica]]'' – (Mexican) Palo Amarillo
* ''[[Euphorbia esula]]'' – Leafy Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia franckiana]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia helioscopia]]'' – Sun Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia heterophylla]]'' – Painted Euphorbia, Desert Poinsettia, (Mexican) Fireplant, Paint Leaf, Kaliko
* ''[[Euphorbia labatii]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia lactea]]'' – Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan, Elkhorn
* ''[[Euphorbia lathyris]]'' – Caper Spurge, Paper Spurge, Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant, Mole Plant
* ''[[Euphorbia maculata]]'' – Spotted Spurge, Prostrate Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia maritae]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia milii]]'' – Crown-of-thorns, Christ Plant
* ''[[Euphorbia myrsinites]]'' – Myrtle Spurge, Creeping Spurge, donkey tail
* ''[[Euphorbia peplis]]'' – Purple Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia peplus]]'' – Petty Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia pulcherrima]]'' – Poinsettia, Mexican Flame Leaf, Christmas Star, Winter Rose, Noche Buena, Lalupatae, Pascua, ''Atatürk çiçeği'' ([[Turkish (language)|Turkish]])
* ''[[Euphorbia resinifera]]'' – Resin Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia serrata]]'' – Serrated spurge, Sawtooth spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia tirucalli]]'' – Indian Tree Spurge, Milk Bush, Pencil Tree
* ''[[Euphorbia tithymaloides]]'' – Devil's Backbone, "Redbird cactus", ''cimora misha'' ([[Peru]])
* ''[[Euphorbia virosa]]''
=== Subgenera ===
[[Image:Euphorbiinae tree.png|thumb|right|242px|Simplified diagram of relations in subtribe [[Euphorbiinae]]]]
The genus ''Euphorbia'' is one of the largest and most complex genera of [[flowering plant]]s and several [[botanist]]s have made unsuccessful attempts to subdivide the genus into numerous smaller genera. According to the recent [[phylogenetic]] studies,<ref name = dnaphylogeny /> ''Euphorbia'' can be divided into 4 [[subgenera]], each containing several not yet sufficiently studied [[section (botany)|section]]s and groups. Of these, ''[[Esula]]'' is the most [[basal (evolution)|basal]]. ''[[Chamaesyce]]'' and ''[[Euphorbia (subgenus)|Euphorbia]]'' are probably [[sister taxa]] but very closely related to ''Rhizanthium''. Extensive [[xeromorph]] adaptations in all probability [[evolve]]d several times; it is not known if the common ancestor of the cactus-like ''Rhizanthium'' and ''Euphorbia'' lineages was xeromorphic - in which case a more normal morphology would have re-evolved namely in ''Chamaesyce'' - or whether extensive xeromorphism is entirely [[polyphyletic]] even to the level of the subgenera.
* '''Esula'''
<gallery>
Image:Light green flowers.jpg|[[Wood Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia amygdaloides''
Image:Zypressenwolfsmilch01.jpg|[[Cypress Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia cyparissias''
Image:Euphorbia esula.jpeg|[[Leafy Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia esula''
Image:Euphorbia myrsinites.JPG|[[Myrtle Spurge]]<br />''Euphorbia myrsinites''
</gallery>
* '''Rhizanthium'''
<gallery>
Image:E ferox ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia ferox]]''
Image:E flanaganii ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia flanaganii]]''
Image:E meloformis valida ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia meloformis|''Euphorbia meloformis'' ssp. ''valida'']]
Image:E obesa symmetrica ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia obesa|''Euphorbia obesa'' ssp. ''symmetrica'']]
</gallery>
* '''Chamaesyce'''
<gallery>
Image:Chamaesyce cyathia.jpg|''[[Euphorbia celastroides]]''
Image:Euphorbiaheterophylla1web.jpg|[[Painted Euphorbia]]<br />''Euphorbia heterophylla''
Image:E pulcherrima ies.jpg|[[Poinsettia]]<br />''Euphorbia pulcherrima''
Image:E rivae ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia rivae]]''
</gallery>
* '''Euphorbia'''
<gallery>
Image:E actinoclada ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia actinoclada]]''
Image:E attastoma attastoma ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia attastoma|''Euphorbia attastoma'' var. ''attastoma'']]
Image:E confinalis rhodesica ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia confinalis|''Euphorbia confinalis'' ssp. ''rhodesica'']]
Image:E lupulina ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia lupulina]]''
</gallery>
== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist}}
==References==
* {{aut|Bruyns, Peter V. & al.}} (2006): ''A new subgeneric classification for ''Euphorbia'' (Euphorbiaceae) in southern Africa based on ITS and psbA-trnH sequence data''. ''[[Taxon (journal)|Taxon]]'' '''55'''(2): 397–420. [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iapt/tax/2006/00000055/00000002/art00013 HTML abstract]
* {{aut|Buddensiek, Volker}} (2005): ''Succulent ''Euphorbia'' plus'' (CD-ROM). Volker Buddensiek Verlag.
* {{aut|Carter, Susan}} (1982): ''New Succulent Spiny Euphorbias from East Africa''
* {{aut|Carter, Susan & Eggli, Urs}} (1997): ''The CITES Checklist of Succulent ''Euphorbia'' Taxa (Euphorbiaceae)''
* {{aut|Carter, Susan & Smith, A.L.}} (1988): ''Flora of Tropical East Africa, Euphorbiaceae''
* {{aut|[[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus, Carolus]]}} (1753): ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' (1st ed.)
* {{aut|Noltee, Frans}} (2001): ''Succulents in the wild and in cultivation, Part 2 ''Euphorbia'' to ''Juttadinteria (CD-ROM)
* {{aut|Eggli, Urs (ed.)}} (2002): ''Sukkulentenlexikon'' (Vol. 2: Zweikeimblättrige Pflanzen (Dicotyledonen)). Eugen Ulmer Verlag.
* {{Cite book |last=Everitt |first=J.H. |coauthors=Lonard, R.L., Little, C.R. |title=Weeds in South Texas and Northern Mexico |publisher=Texas Tech University Press |location=Lubbock |year=2007}} ISBN 0-89672-614-2
* {{aut|Pritchard, Albert}} (2003): ''Introduction to the Euphorbiaceae''
* {{aut|Schwartz, Herman (ed.)}} (1983): ''The Euphorbia Journal'' Strawberry Press, Mill Valley, California, USA
* {{aut|Singh, Meena}} (1994): ''Succulent Euphorbiaceae of India''. Mrs. Meena Singh, A-162 Sector 40, NOIDA, New Delhi, India.
* {{aut|Steinmann, V.W.}} (2003): The submersion of ''Pedilanthus'' into ''Euphorbia'' (Euphorbiaceae). ''Acta Botanica Mexicana'' '''65''': 45-50. [http://www.ecologia.edu.mx/publicaciones/resumeness/ABM/ABM.65.2003/acta65(45-50).pdf PDF fulltext] [English with Spanish abstract]
* {{aut|Steinmann, V.W. & Porter, J.M.}} (2002): ''Phylogenetic relationships in Euphorbieae (Euphorbiaceae) based on ITS and ndhF sequence data''. ''Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden'' '''89'''(4): 453–490. <small>{{doi|10.2307/3298591}}</small> (HTML abstract, first page image)
* {{aut|[[Roger Turner (garden designer)|Turner, Roger]]}} (1995): ''Euphorbias - A Gardeners' Guide''. Batsford, England.
==External links==
{{Commons|Euphorbia}}
*[http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/tj.de.graaf/euphorbia%20engels.htm / Euphorbia]
*[http://www.euphorbia-international.org/ International Euphorbia Society]
*[http://www.euphorbia.de/indexe.htm Succulent Euphorbias]
*[http://www.volkerbuddensiek.de/en-lit.html A selection of important / new literature]
*[http://www.u4ba.nl/ U4BA - Euphorbia for you]
*[http://succulent.cool.ne.jp/ Euphorbia and the other succulents]
*[http://waynesword.palomar.edu/trmar98b.htm The Euphorbia Family]
*[http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=28032 ITIS]
*[http://www.ipni.org/ipni/plantsearch?request_type=search&output_format=query&ret_defaults=on IPNI]
*[http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/efloras/multisearch.do;jsessionid=07C81D07C1A0198276E32A03DEAA5A6D Flora Zambesiaca: Euphorbia]
[[Category:Euphorbiaceae]]
[[Category:Euphorbia|*]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Plants named after people]]
[[ca:Euphorbia]]
[[de:Wolfsmilch]]
[[es:Euphorbia]]
[[eo:Eŭforbio]]
[[fr:Euphorbe]]
[[hsb:Mlóčeń]]
[[it:Euphorbia]]
[[he:חלבלוב]]
[[lt:Karpažolė]]
[[nl:Wolfsmelk]]
[[ja:トウダイグサ属]]
[[pl:Wilczomlecz]]
[[pt:Euphorbia]]
[[ru:Молочай (растение)]]
[[sq:Qumështorja]]
[[sr:Млечика]]
[[fi:Tyräkit]]
[[sv:Törelsläktet]]
[[zh:大戟屬]]
| image = Euphorbia February 2008-2.jpg
| image_caption = ''Euphorbia cf. serrata''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| subclassis = [[Rosidae]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Eurosids I]]
| ordo = [[Ericales]]
| ordo = [[Malpighiales]]
| familia = [[Euphorbiaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Euphorbioideae]]
| tribus = [[Euphorbieae]]
| subtribus = '''Euphorbiinae'''
| genus = '''''Euphorbia'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| diversity_link = List of Euphorbia species
| diversity = c.2160 species
| type_species = ''[[Euphorbia serrata]]''
| type_species_authority =
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subgenera]]
| subdivision =
''[[Chamaesyce]]''<br />
''[[Esula]]''<br />
''[[Euphorbia (subgenus)|Euphorbia]]''<br />
''[[Rhizanthium]]''<br />
and see [[#Subgenera|below]]
| synonyms =
''Chamaesyce''<br />
''Elaeophorbia''<br />
''Endadenium''<br />
''Monadenium''<br />
''Synadenium''<br />
''Pedilanthus''
}}
'''''Euphorbia''''' is a [[genus]] of [[plant]]s belonging to the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Euphorbiaceae]]. Consisting of about 2160 [[species]], ''Euphorbia'' is one of the most diverse genera in the plant kingdom. Members of the family and genus are sometimes referred to ''Spurges''. The genus is primarily found in the [[tropical]] and [[subtropical]] regions of [[Africa]] and the [[Americas]], but also in [[temperate zone]]s worldwide. [[Succulent]] species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and [[Madagascar]]. There exists a wide range of [[island|insular]] species, namely on the [[Hawaiian Islands]] where spurges are collectively known as '''''ʻakoko'''''{{Verify source|date=November 2007}}<!-- "a" does not seem to be macronized (kahakõ), but check to be sure - not in Pukui/Elbert pocket dictionary -->
The [[common name]] "spurge" derives from the [[Middle English]]/[[Old French]] ''espurge'' ("to purge"), due to the use of the plants sap as a [[purgative]].
The [[botanical name]] ''Euphorbia'' derives from [[Euphorbus (physician)|Euphorbus]], the [[Roman Greece|Greek]] [[physician]] of king [[Juba II]] of [[Numidia]] (52-50 BC - 23 AD). He is reported to have used a certain plant, possibly [[Resin Spurge]] (''E. resinifera''), as a [[herbalism|herbal]] remedy when the king suffered from a swollen belly{{Verify source|date=November 2007}}<!-- original text was jumbled - this is the best I can make of it. E. resinifera is apparently a powerful painkiller and may also act as a purgative; maybe Juba had a bad case of indigestion or flatulence -->. [[Carolus Linnaeus]] assigned the name ''Euphorbia'' to the entire genus in the physician's honor.<ref>Linnaeus (1753): p.450</ref>
Juba II himself was a noted patron of the arts and sciences and sponsored several expeditions and biological research. He also was a notable author, writing several scholarly and popular scientific works such as treatises on natural history or a best-selling traveller's guide to [[Arabia]]. ''[[Euphorbia regisjubae]]'' ([[King Juba's Euphorbia]]) was named to honor the king's contributions to natural history and his role in bringing the genus to notice.
== Description ==
The plants are [[annual plant|annual]] or [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]]s, woody [[shrub]]s or [[trees]] with a caustic, poisonous milky sap ([[latex]]). The [[root]]s are fine or thick and fleshy or tuberous. Many species are more or less [[succulent plant|succulent]], thorny or unarmed. The main stem and mostly also the side arms of the succulent species are thick and fleshy, 15-91 cm (6-36 inches) tall. The deciduous [[leaf|leaves]] are opposite, alternate or in whorls. In succulent species the leaves are mostly small and short-lived. The [[stipule]]s are mostly small, partly transformed into [[spine (botany)|spine]]s or [[gland]]s, or missing.
Like all members of the family Euphorbiaceae, all spurges have unisexual [[flower]]s. In ''Euphorbia'' these are greatly reduced and grouped into [[pseudanthium|pseudanthia]] called [[cyathium|cyathia]].
The majority of species are [[monoecious]] (bearing male and female flowers on the same plant), although some are [[dioecious]] with male and female flowers occurring on different plants. It is not unusual for the central cyathia of a [[cyme]] to be purely male, and for lateral cyathia to carry both sexes. Sometimes young plants or those growing under unfavourable conditions are male only, and only produce female flowers in the cyathia with maturity or as growing conditions improve.
The [[bract]]s are often leaf-like, sometimes brightly coloured and attractive, sometimes reduced to tiny scales.
The [[fruit]]s are three (rarely two) compartment [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]]s, sometimes fleshy but almost always ripening to a woody container that then splits open (explosively). The [[seed]]s are 4-angled, oval or spherical, and in some species have a [[Elaiosome|caruncle]].
===Xerophytes and succulents===
In the genus ''Euphorbia'' succulence in the species has often evolved divergently and to differing degrees. Sometimes it is difficult to decide, and it is a question of interpretation, whether or not a species is really succulent or "only" [[xerophytic]]. In some cases, especially with [[geophyte]]s, plants closely related to the succulents are normal herbs. About 850 species are succulent in the strictest sense. If one includes slightly succulent and xerophytic species, this figure rises to about 1000, representing about 45% of all ''Euphorbia'' species.
=== Toxicity ===
The latex (milky sap) of spurges acts as a deterrent for [[herbivore]]s as well as a wound healer. Usually it is white, but in rare cases (e.g. ''[[Euphorbia abdelkuri|E. abdelkuri]]'') yellow. As it is under pressure, it runs out from the slightest wound and congeals within a few minutes of contact with the air. Among the component parts are many [[terpene|di- or tri-terpen]] [[ester]]s, which can vary in composition according to species, and in some cases the variant may be typical of that species. The terpen ester composition determines how caustic and irritating to the skin it is. In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) the latex can produce extremely painful [[inflammation]]. In experiments with animals it was found that the terpen ester [[resiniferatoxin]] had an irritating effect 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than [[capsaicin]], the "hot" substance found in [[chillies]]. Several terpen esters are also known to be [[cancer|carcinogenic]].
Therefore spurges should be handled with caution. Latex coming in contact with the skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Partially or completely congealed latex is often no longer soluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsion (milk, hand-cream). A physician should be consulted regarding any inflammation of a mucous membrane. It has been noticed, when cutting large succulent spurges in a greenhouse, that vapours from the latex spread and can cause severe irritation to the eyes and air passages several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required. Small children and domestic pets should be kept from contact with spurges.
==Uses==
Several spurges are grown as garden plants, among them [[Poinsettia]] (''E. pulcherrima'') and the succulent ''[[Euphorbia trigona|E. trigona]]''. ''[[Euphorbia pekinensis|E. pekinensis]]'' (Chinese: [[wikt:大|大]][[wikt:戟|戟]]; pinyin: dàjǐ) is used in [[traditional Chinese medicine]], where it is regarded as one of the [[Chinese herbology#50 fundamental herbs|50 fundamental herbs]]. Several ''Euphorbia'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] (butterflies and moths), including the [[Giant Leopard Moth]].
== Systematics and taxonomy ==
According to recent studies of [[DNA sequence]] data<ref name = dnaphylogeny>Steinmann & Porter (2002), Steinmann (2003), Bruyns ''et al.'' (2006)</ref> most of the smaller "satellite genera" around the huge genus ''Euphorbia'' nest deep within the latter. Consequently these [[taxa]], namely the never generally accepted genus '''''Chamaesyce''''' as well as the smaller genera ''[[Cubanthus]]'',<ref name = cubanthus> Steinmann, van Ee, Berry & Gutiérrez (2007) in Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid</ref> '''''Elaeophorbia''''', '''''Endadenium''''', '''''Monadenium''''', '''''Synadenium'''''
and '''''Pedilanthus''''' were transferred to ''Euphorbia''. The entire [[subtribe]] Euphorbiinae now consists solely of the genus ''Euphorbia''.
=== Selected species ===
See [[List of Euphorbia species]] for complete list.
* ''[[Euphorbia albomarginata]]'' – Rattlesnake Weed, White-margined Sandmat
* ''[[Euphorbia amygdaloides]]'' – Wood Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia antisyphilitica]]'' – Candelilla
* ''[[Euphorbia bulbispina]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia cyparissias]]'' – Cypress Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia decidua]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia elastica]]'' – (Mexican) Palo Amarillo
* ''[[Euphorbia esula]]'' – Leafy Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia franckiana]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia helioscopia]]'' – Sun Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia heterophylla]]'' – Painted Euphorbia, Desert Poinsettia, (Mexican) Fireplant, Paint Leaf, Kaliko
* ''[[Euphorbia labatii]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia lactea]]'' – Mottled Spurge, Frilled Fan, Elkhorn
* ''[[Euphorbia lathyris]]'' – Caper Spurge, Paper Spurge, Gopher Spurge, Gopher Plant, Mole Plant
* ''[[Euphorbia maculata]]'' – Spotted Spurge, Prostrate Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia maritae]]''
* ''[[Euphorbia milii]]'' – Crown-of-thorns, Christ Plant
* ''[[Euphorbia myrsinites]]'' – Myrtle Spurge, Creeping Spurge, donkey tail
* ''[[Euphorbia peplis]]'' – Purple Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia peplus]]'' – Petty Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia pulcherrima]]'' – Poinsettia, Mexican Flame Leaf, Christmas Star, Winter Rose, Noche Buena, Lalupatae, Pascua, ''Atatürk çiçeği'' ([[Turkish (language)|Turkish]])
* ''[[Euphorbia resinifera]]'' – Resin Spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia serrata]]'' – Serrated spurge, Sawtooth spurge
* ''[[Euphorbia tirucalli]]'' – Indian Tree Spurge, Milk Bush, Pencil Tree
* ''[[Euphorbia tithymaloides]]'' – Devil's Backbone, "Redbird cactus", ''cimora misha'' ([[Peru]])
* ''[[Euphorbia virosa]]''
=== Subgenera ===
[[Image:Euphorbiinae tree.png|thumb|right|242px|Simplified diagram of relations in subtribe [[Euphorbiinae]]]]
The genus ''Euphorbia'' is one of the largest and most complex genera of [[flowering plant]]s and several [[botanist]]s have made unsuccessful attempts to subdivide the genus into numerous smaller genera. According to the recent [[phylogenetic]] studies,<ref name = dnaphylogeny /> ''Euphorbia'' can be divided into 4 [[subgenera]], each containing several not yet sufficiently studied [[section (botany)|section]]s and groups. Of these, ''[[Esula]]'' is the most [[basal (evolution)|basal]]. ''[[Chamaesyce]]'' and ''[[Euphorbia (subgenus)|Euphorbia]]'' are probably [[sister taxa]] but very closely related to ''Rhizanthium''. Extensive [[xeromorph]] adaptations in all probability [[evolve]]d several times; it is not known if the common ancestor of the cactus-like ''Rhizanthium'' and ''Euphorbia'' lineages was xeromorphic - in which case a more normal morphology would have re-evolved namely in ''Chamaesyce'' - or whether extensive xeromorphism is entirely [[polyphyletic]] even to the level of the subgenera.
* '''Esula'''
<gallery>
Image:Light green flowers.jpg|[[Wood Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia amygdaloides''
Image:Zypressenwolfsmilch01.jpg|[[Cypress Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia cyparissias''
Image:Euphorbia esula.jpeg|[[Leafy Spurge]]<br/>''Euphorbia esula''
Image:Euphorbia myrsinites.JPG|[[Myrtle Spurge]]<br />''Euphorbia myrsinites''
</gallery>
* '''Rhizanthium'''
<gallery>
Image:E ferox ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia ferox]]''
Image:E flanaganii ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia flanaganii]]''
Image:E meloformis valida ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia meloformis|''Euphorbia meloformis'' ssp. ''valida'']]
Image:E obesa symmetrica ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia obesa|''Euphorbia obesa'' ssp. ''symmetrica'']]
</gallery>
* '''Chamaesyce'''
<gallery>
Image:Chamaesyce cyathia.jpg|''[[Euphorbia celastroides]]''
Image:Euphorbiaheterophylla1web.jpg|[[Painted Euphorbia]]<br />''Euphorbia heterophylla''
Image:E pulcherrima ies.jpg|[[Poinsettia]]<br />''Euphorbia pulcherrima''
Image:E rivae ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia rivae]]''
</gallery>
* '''Euphorbia'''
<gallery>
Image:E actinoclada ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia actinoclada]]''
Image:E attastoma attastoma ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia attastoma|''Euphorbia attastoma'' var. ''attastoma'']]
Image:E confinalis rhodesica ies.jpg|[[Euphorbia confinalis|''Euphorbia confinalis'' ssp. ''rhodesica'']]
Image:E lupulina ies.jpg|''[[Euphorbia lupulina]]''
</gallery>
== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist}}
==References==
* {{aut|Bruyns, Peter V. & al.}} (2006): ''A new subgeneric classification for ''Euphorbia'' (Euphorbiaceae) in southern Africa based on ITS and psbA-trnH sequence data''. ''[[Taxon (journal)|Taxon]]'' '''55'''(2): 397–420. [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iapt/tax/2006/00000055/00000002/art00013 HTML abstract]
* {{aut|Buddensiek, Volker}} (2005): ''Succulent ''Euphorbia'' plus'' (CD-ROM). Volker Buddensiek Verlag.
* {{aut|Carter, Susan}} (1982): ''New Succulent Spiny Euphorbias from East Africa''
* {{aut|Carter, Susan & Eggli, Urs}} (1997): ''The CITES Checklist of Succulent ''Euphorbia'' Taxa (Euphorbiaceae)''
* {{aut|Carter, Susan & Smith, A.L.}} (1988): ''Flora of Tropical East Africa, Euphorbiaceae''
* {{aut|[[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus, Carolus]]}} (1753): ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' (1st ed.)
* {{aut|Noltee, Frans}} (2001): ''Succulents in the wild and in cultivation, Part 2 ''Euphorbia'' to ''Juttadinteria (CD-ROM)
* {{aut|Eggli, Urs (ed.)}} (2002): ''Sukkulentenlexikon'' (Vol. 2: Zweikeimblättrige Pflanzen (Dicotyledonen)). Eugen Ulmer Verlag.
* {{Cite book |last=Everitt |first=J.H. |coauthors=Lonard, R.L., Little, C.R. |title=Weeds in South Texas and Northern Mexico |publisher=Texas Tech University Press |location=Lubbock |year=2007}} ISBN 0-89672-614-2
* {{aut|Pritchard, Albert}} (2003): ''Introduction to the Euphorbiaceae''
* {{aut|Schwartz, Herman (ed.)}} (1983): ''The Euphorbia Journal'' Strawberry Press, Mill Valley, California, USA
* {{aut|Singh, Meena}} (1994): ''Succulent Euphorbiaceae of India''. Mrs. Meena Singh, A-162 Sector 40, NOIDA, New Delhi, India.
* {{aut|Steinmann, V.W.}} (2003): The submersion of ''Pedilanthus'' into ''Euphorbia'' (Euphorbiaceae). ''Acta Botanica Mexicana'' '''65''': 45-50. [http://www.ecologia.edu.mx/publicaciones/resumeness/ABM/ABM.65.2003/acta65(45-50).pdf PDF fulltext] [English with Spanish abstract]
* {{aut|Steinmann, V.W. & Porter, J.M.}} (2002): ''Phylogenetic relationships in Euphorbieae (Euphorbiaceae) based on ITS and ndhF sequence data''. ''Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden'' '''89'''(4): 453–490. <small>{{doi|10.2307/3298591}}</small> (HTML abstract, first page image)
* {{aut|[[Roger Turner (garden designer)|Turner, Roger]]}} (1995): ''Euphorbias - A Gardeners' Guide''. Batsford, England.
==External links==
{{Commons|Euphorbia}}
*[http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/tj.de.graaf/euphorbia%20engels.htm / Euphorbia]
*[http://www.euphorbia-international.org/ International Euphorbia Society]
*[http://www.euphorbia.de/indexe.htm Succulent Euphorbias]
*[http://www.volkerbuddensiek.de/en-lit.html A selection of important / new literature]
*[http://www.u4ba.nl/ U4BA - Euphorbia for you]
*[http://succulent.cool.ne.jp/ Euphorbia and the other succulents]
*[http://waynesword.palomar.edu/trmar98b.htm The Euphorbia Family]
*[http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=28032 ITIS]
*[http://www.ipni.org/ipni/plantsearch?request_type=search&output_format=query&ret_defaults=on IPNI]
*[http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/efloras/multisearch.do;jsessionid=07C81D07C1A0198276E32A03DEAA5A6D Flora Zambesiaca: Euphorbia]
[[Category:Euphorbiaceae]]
[[Category:Euphorbia|*]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Plants named after people]]
[[ca:Euphorbia]]
[[de:Wolfsmilch]]
[[es:Euphorbia]]
[[eo:Eŭforbio]]
[[fr:Euphorbe]]
[[hsb:Mlóčeń]]
[[it:Euphorbia]]
[[he:חלבלוב]]
[[lt:Karpažolė]]
[[nl:Wolfsmelk]]
[[ja:トウダイグサ属]]
[[pl:Wilczomlecz]]
[[pt:Euphorbia]]
[[ru:Молочай (растение)]]
[[sq:Qumështorja]]
[[sr:Млечика]]
[[fi:Tyräkit]]
[[sv:Törelsläktet]]
[[zh:大戟屬]]
