Euphorbia myrsinites, the myrtle spurge, [1] blue spurge, [1] or broad-leaved glaucous-spurge, [2] is a succulent species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae.
Euphorbia myrsinites | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. myrsinites |
Binomial name | |
Euphorbia myrsinites | |
The plant is native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, from Italy east through the Balkans to Crimea and Turkey. [3] [1]
The specific epithet myrsinites is derived from the Greek word μυρσινίτης (myrsinites), which was used in Dioscorides's De Materia Medica to describe its similarity to μυρσίνη (myrsine), aka myrtle ( Myrtus communis ). [4] [5]
Myrtle spurge is an evergreen perennial. It has sprawling stems growing to 20–40 cm long. The leaves are spirally arranged, fleshy, pale glaucous bluish-green, 1–2 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, but surrounded by bright sulphur-yellow bracts (tinged red in the cultivar 'Washfield'); they are produced during the spring. [6]
Plants spread primarily by seed and are capable of projecting seed up to 15 feet. [7]
The plant's milky sap can cause significant skin and eye irritation in humans and may cause blindness with contact with the eyes. The plant causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. [8] Goggles, gloves and protective gear is often used when removing plants. Children are more susceptible than adults to symptoms from myrtle spurge, suggesting play areas not in proximity to the species. Pets can have similar reactions to myrtle spurge sap exposure.
Euphorbia myrsinites is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its distinctive silver-gray foliage, and is used in garden borders, 'modernist' mass plantings, and as a potted plant. It is planted in drought tolerant gardens in California and other dry climates.
In the United Kingdom, the cultivated plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [9] [10]
Euphorbia myrsinites is identified as a noxious weed and/or invasive species in some regions.
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, not just to members of the genus.
Euphorbia mellifera, the Canary spurge or honey spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is an evergreen shrub or tree growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, with narrow leaves up to 20 cm (8 in) long. In spring it produces brown, honey-scented flowers.
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Euphorbia peplus, is a species of Euphorbia, native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, where it typically grows in cultivated arable land, gardens and other disturbed land.
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Euphorbia margalidiana is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, endemic to the Balearic Islands, where its natural habitats are Mediterranean Matorral shrubland vegetation and rocky shores. An evergreen perennial or subshrub growing to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall and broad, It bears yellow-green flowers over a long period in the summer. It is particularly valued in cultivation for its tolerance of a wide range of conditions, including drought. Though hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) it grows best in mild areas.
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Euphorbia epithymoides, the cushion spurge, syn. E. polychroma, is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to Libya, Turkey and East, Middle, and Southeast Europe. It is a compact, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial growing to 45 cm (18 in), bearing terminal cymes of acid yellow flower-heads (cyathia) in spring and summer.
Euphorbia palustris, the marsh spurge or marsh euphorbia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to marshland throughout much of mainland Europe and western Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall and wide, with narrow leaves turning red and yellow in autumn, and persistent, bright acid yellow flower-heads (cyathia), 15 cm (6 in) across, in spring.
Euphorbia rigida, the gopher spurge or upright myrtle spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. Growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and broad, it is a bushy evergreen perennial with somewhat fleshy leaves arranged in a spiral, bearing bunches of bright yellow flowers in late Spring.
Euphorbia characias, the Mediterranean spurge or Albanian spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae typical of the Mediterranean vegetation. It is an upright, compact evergreen shrub growing to 1.2 m tall and wide.
Euphorbia ceratocarpa is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to the Island of Sicily and southern Italy. Growing to 1.7 m (5.6 ft) tall and wide, it is an evergreen perennial or subshrub bearing long, narrow leaves with a prominent white midrib, and clusters of green and yellow flowers in summer. The flowering period may be extended in favourable locations. It is valued in cultivation for its vivid flowers, and its ability to survive drought conditions. Though hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) it is seen at its best in a warm, sheltered position. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Euphorbia × martini, or Martin’s spurge, is a hybrid between two species of flowering plant, E. amygdaloides × E. characias subsp. characias in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It was found growing wild in southern France. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, it is a dwarf evergreen subshrub with narrow grey-green leaves and in late spring and early summer, sprays of lime green flowers, often with a red or maroon eye. It is useful as a spreading, weed-smothering groundcover. Though hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F), it is a Mediterranean plant best grown in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil in full sun.
Euphorbia virgata, commonly known as leafy spurge, wolf's milk leafy spurge, or wolf's milk is a species of spurge native to Europe and Asia, and introduced in North America, where it is an invasive species.