| Euphorbia deltoidea | |
|---|---|
 | |
| subsp. deltoidea | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. deltoidea |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia deltoidea | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
List
| |
Euphorbia deltoidea (syn. Chamaesyce deltoidea) [2] , also called wedge sandmat, is a species of flowering plant endemic to Florida in the United States. [3] The taxonomy of the plant is difficult, with some authorities dividing it into four subspecies and some into three; also, it is frequently listed as a member of the old genus Chamaesyce . [3] [4] One subspecies, ssp. deltoidea, is a federally listed endangered species called deltoid spurge. [4] It is found only in Miami-Dade County. [3] Another subspecies, ssp. adhaerens, is often included with it under the name deltoidea instead of separately, making it difficult to keep count of how many endangered plants there are. [4] This is generally dealt with by placing the "endangered species" label on any taxon within the species that is limited to Miami-Dade County, however many names they may have. [3]
The deltoid spurge grows in a heavily populated county which has been overtaken by urban development. About 98% of the plant's natural habitat has been drastically altered or destroyed, causing its rarity. [3] The plant grows in South Florida's pine rocklands, an increasingly rare type of forest habitat that is stabilized by periodic wildfire. [5] The plant grows in open, sunny areas and depends on fires to clear away brush and litter that threaten to shade it out. [3] Fire suppression in Miami-Dade prevents this natural fire regime. [3] Other threats to the species include invasive plant species such as Burma reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana). [3]
