The family Euphorbiaceae includes the genus Euphorbia. It is commonly recognized that this genus is one of the most varied in the entire plant kingdom, with approximately 2000 species. Euphorbias can range in size from weed-like, low-growing “spurges to magnificent, cactus-like succulents that can reach heights of several meters. One well-known species in this genus is the Poinsetta (E. pulcherrima), a stunning and well-liked houseplant.
The distribution of Euphorbia includes tropical regions of Africa (where the majority of the succulent Euphorbias are found), Madagascar, and the Americas as well as colder, temperate regions of Asia and Europe. Australia and the Pacific Islands both have euphorbia species.
When cut open, the majority of euphorbia species release a milky latex sap. This functions as both a defense mechanism to stop animals from eating the plant and a natural wound-healing mechanism for the plant. If it comes into touch with skin, it can result in excruciating inflammation and a rash. If consumed, some species’ latex can be quite harmful to people. The toxicities of several species are listed in this helpful resource.
This toxin has a di- or tri-terpene ester chemical structure, depending on the species. The distinctive feature that sets all euphorbia species apart from cacti is their milky sap.
A business in Australia is presently investigating the use of E. peplus sap as a skin cancer treatment. According to the notion, the sap kills the cancerous skin cells and forms a scab that finally falls off.
Due to the diversity of the genus Euphorbia, numerous reproductive strategies are seen. Monoecious plants have blooms on the same plant that are both male and female. Some Euphorbias have male and female blooms on separate plants, or they are dioecious.
This genus was given that name by Carolus Linnaeus in honor of the Greek physician Euphorbus, who is credited with discovering a use for Euphorbia as a medicine (most likely Resin Spurge).
This succulent is also a euphorbia. Take note of how the spines protrude in pairs, similar to the species seen to the right.
This Euphorbia has thick, protective skin and spines. As opposed to a cactus, the spines protrude in pairs.
Which Euphorbia is best?
The 6 Best Spurge Varieties to Plant as Your Secret Weapon
- Characias E. Subsp.
- Myrsinites Euphorbia Above: On a bed of gravel, Euphorbia myrsinites creeps along.
- Eupatorium rigidum
- Martinii x Euphorbia
- Various Euphorbia Amygdaloides
- Portuguese Velvet Euphorbia characias
Is euphorbia toxic to humans?
The milky secretion of the Euphorbia plant, sometimes known as latex, is extremely poisonous and irritating to the skin and eyes. This study provides an illustration of the range of ocular inflammation brought on by unintentional ingestion of Euphorbia plant latex. Three patients came in with recently developed accidental ocular exposure to milky sap of a Euphorbia species. In all cases, there was a significant burning sensation along with vision blur. Visual acuity decreased to counting fingers from 20/60. Clinical findings ranged from anterior uveitis to secondary increased intraocular pressure, mild to severe corneal edema, epithelial defects, and keratoconjunctivitis. With active supportive treatment, all symptoms and indicators disappeared after 10 to 14 days. When handling euphorbia plants, wear safety goggles. Asking the patient to bring a sample of the plant for identification is usually advisable.
Trees, succulents, and herbaceous plants all belong to the Euphorbiaceae genus.
[1] There are numerous kinds of Euphorbia that can be found growing in the wild or in gardens or homes as cultivated examples. The milky sap or latex is poisonous and can cause severe skin and eye problems. From moderate conjunctivitis to severe kerato-uveitis, ocular toxic response can vary [2]. There are a few case reports of people losing their sight permanently as a result of accidentally putting Euphorbia sap in their eyes. [24] Corneal involvement typically proceeds in a predictable order, with edema getting worse and epithelial sloughing on the second day. [3,5] Some species are thought to be more poisonous than others. [6] The inflammation usually goes away without leaving any aftereffects when it is promptly treated and carefully maintained. Here, we show three instances of ocular toxicity brought on by three distinct Euphorbia species: E. trigona (African milk tree), E. neriifolia (Indian spurge tree), and E. milii (Crown-of-thorns houseplant).
Is it difficult to raise euphorbia?
Euphorbias require relatively little maintenance. These plants need some care to get started, but once they do, they are remarkably self-sufficient. In actuality, more people perish from over care, particularly overwatering, than from neglect. However, they are tough and make excellent starting plants.
What is Euphorbia’s common name?
The spurge family includes the enormous and diversified genus of flowering plants known as Euphorbia, sometimes known as spurge (Euphorbiaceae). In common English, the term “Euphorbia” is occasionally used to refer to all members of the family Euphorbiaceae as a whole (in honor of the original genus). [2] Some euphorbias, like poinsettias around Christmas, are commonly sold commercially. Some, like the crown of thorns plant, are frequently grown as ornamentals or are collected and highly valued for the aesthetic appeal of their distinctive floral structures (Euphorbia milii). Because euphorbias from Southern Africa and Madagascar’s deserts have developed morphological traits and shapes resembling cacti from North and South America, they are frequently mistakenly referred to as cacti. [3] Because they can withstand heat and drought and have attractive or striking overall forms, some plants are employed as ornamentals in landscaping. [4] [5]
The euphorbia genus includes small annual plants and enormous, long-lived trees.
The genus is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with over[4] or over 2,000 members[6].
[7]
Along with Rumex and Senecio, it also possesses one of the widest ranges of chromosomal counts.
[7]The type species for the genus Euphorbia is Euphorbia antiquorum.
[9] Carl Linnaeus published the first description of it in Species Plantarum in 1753.
The plants all have strange and distinctive floral structures in addition to a deadly, milky, white, latex-like sap.
[4] The genus can be characterized by the traits of the DNA sequences of its members or by the morphology of the flower heads. The flower head appears to be a single flower when seen as a whole (a pseudanthium). It has a special type of bloom, called a cyathium, in which each flower in the head is stripped down to the minimal minimum required for sexual reproduction. [4] Each flower is either male or female, with the male flowers consisting only of the stamen and the female flowers solely of the pistil. [4] These flowers lack petals, sepals, and other components that are common to flowers in other plant species. [4] Supporting structures for the flower head and other structures below have evolved to draw pollinators through nectar as well as through patterns and colors that mimic the function of petals and other flower components in other flowers. It is the only plant genus that possesses all three types of photosynthesis—CAM, C3, and C4—all at once. [4]
Euphorbia Care:
Some plants need to be divided or propagated every two to three years, preferably in the early fall or spring, even if they have a short lifespan.
After flowering is complete, many benefit from being severely pruned, at least by one-third. This prevents any free-seeders from taking over and promotes the growth of new, fresh foliage.
Trimming euphorbia:
- Early in the spring, remove any damaged stems to keep the plant neat and healthy.
- As soon as the euphorbia blooms, trim the stems at the base.
- Clip carefully, since new shoots may appear that you wish to preserve.
anything touches your skin because it is a potent irritant. Additionally harmful due to the sap, spurges should be avoided.
euphorbias and yard cats survive for years without trouble, but I don’t have kids or pets.
Zones:
Check individual entries as perennial euphorbias have varying hardiness, especially in regards to their northern boundaries.
for the plants that are listed here. Some species only have root hardiness further north but are evergreen in southerly zones. Other varieties do well as annuals.
Exposure: Sun or Shade?
Although some euphorbias can take some partial shade, most euphorbias prefer the sun. those with dark purple or reddish coloring
If planted in full sun, the foliage’s coloration will be more dramatic. In fact, just a few species prefer at least dappled.
Others require part shade in the South’s blazing sunshine but can tolerate intense sun in the North, where they can thrive. One option that works well in shadow is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae.
Soil:
The ability of spurges to withstand drought is one of its greatest advantages, hence proper drainage is essential.
The “Chameleon” does like more wetness than other animals. Euphorbias are also not fussy about soil, and the majority can
tackle common and sandy circumstances. Fertile soils may promote those varieties that tend to run and spread.
Keeping things lean gives control since people tend to expand beyond their limitations. However, if you want your
What Euphorbia species are invasive?
Northern California is home to isolated occurrences of Euphorbia esula, which is displacing native plant species. Prairies, grasslands, and pine savannahs are just a few of the vegetation types it can invade and take over.
How quickly does Euphorbia expand?
The heavier stems have a tendency to point in the direction of the light as they grow. To stop the container from leaning, rotate it.
The shedding of leaves is typical. In a few months, fresh leaves will emerge at the top of the stem.
I can get up to 30 feet tall in nature. I can grow quickly indoors in a container and reach a height of 5-8 feet. From the base, fresh, light-green shoots will emerge.
You may have overwatered if you notice rotting at the plant’s base or notice that the stems are no longer spongey. By removing the top treatment and allowing the soil to breathe, you might attempt to dry it out. If the stem is still too wet, you can cut it with a fresh corrugated knife and transplant it in fresh, drier soil.
Can euphorbia make you blind?
Numerous Euphorbia plants produce toxic latex or sap, which when in contact with the skin or eyes can lead to skin or eye irritation. Ocular inflammation can range from a moderate conjunctivitis to a severe keratouveitis, and inadvertent exposure to the sap has been reported to cause irreversible blindness in several cases.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, one of the most well-liked succulents, is regularly utilized for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The plant’s extracts can be found in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and flavored waters, and its sap is traditionally used to heal sunburns.
However, pets may be poisoned by this succulent. Aloe has a reputation for causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in animals, as well as making them lethargic.
Long, pointed tendrils are a distinguishing feature of aloe plants. Some types have foliage with white spots, while others bloom sporadically. Pets should not be allowed near any types.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are prized for their profusion of flowers, which come in a variety of hues from soft pink to flamboyant orange. This tropical succulent is well-liked as a houseplant and goes by several names, including mother of millions, devil’s backbone, and mother-in-law plant.
This plant primarily causes vomiting and diarrhea by irritating the digestive system. Heart arrhythmias, however, can also happen.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a vast and diverse genus of plants that encompasses anything from tiny, low-growing plants to gigantic giants.
Many succulents of the genus Euphorbia are harmful to both cats and dogs, including the pencil cactus and crown of thorns.
Ingestion of this succulent can cause a variety of poisoning symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress and eye and skin irritation.
It is advised to stay away from all euphorbia species, including the deadly poinsettia, if you have pets.
Jade
Similar to aloe vera, jade is a widespread, simple-to-grow houseplant that is common on windowsills. Jade plants resemble trees because to their thick, woody stalks and hefty, oval leaves.
There are various types of jade, and each one should be kept out of reach of animals. Your cat or dog may exhibit signs such as gastrointestinal distress and uncoordination if they consume jade.
Animals consume euphorbia, right?
And in other regions of the world, some species regularly consumes euphorbias as part of their diet, reportedly with little adverse effects.
Can euphorbia be grown outdoors?
- 1.Poinsettia: Popular Christmastime plants include poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima). During the holiday season, you may buy these potted plants in brilliant red at florists and garden retailers. Bracts, which are modified colored leaves that also exist in yellow, white, and pink variations, are a feature of poinsettias. With careful care, a poinsettia you receive as a gift can survive your Christmas tree and blossom again the following winter.
- 2. Crown of thorns: Also known as Christ plant or Christ thorn, the crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a low-maintenance plant that adapts well to both indoor and outdoor environments. Green leaves and tiny, vibrant blooms are features of crown of thorn plants. A milky sap is released when the plant’s sharp, prickly stems and branches are damaged. You should be aware that crown of thorns have a high level of toxicity and can be dangerous to both animals and people if consumed if you’re thinking of keeping one indoors.
- 3. Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Efanthia’ wood spurge: This species of wood spurge is an evergreen herbaceous perennial that is distinguished by its chartreuse, yellow-green flowers.