Spurge Family - Biology Of Spurges, Economic Products Obtained From Spurges, Horticultural Spurges, Spurges As Weeds
species plants genera poisonous
Spurges or euphorbs are species of plants in the family Eurphorbiaceae. This is a rather large family of plants, consisting of about 7,500 species and 300 genera, mostly distributed in the tropics and subtropics, but also in the temperate zones. The most species-rich genera of spurges are the Euphorbia with about 1,600 species, and Croton with 750 species.
Most species in the spurge family have a white latex in their stems and leaves that is poisonous if it contacts the eyes or other membranes, or if it is ingested. The seeds are also often poisonous. Even rainwater dripping from the canopy of the manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella) in the West Indies has enough toxin in it to cause a dermatitis reaction in people standing beneath.
Some species in the spurge family are economically important, either as food plants, ornamentals, medicinals, or weeds.
Additional Topics
Spurges exhibit a wide range of growth forms. Most species are annual or perennial herbs, in the latter case dying back to the ground surface at the end of the growing season, but regenerating from roots and rhizomes at the beginning of the next growing season. Other species of spurges are shrubs and full-sized trees. Some species of spurges that grow in dry habitats have evolved morphologies that…
By far the most important spurge in agriculture is the cassava, manioc, or tapioca (Manihot esculenta), a species that is native to Brazil, but is now grown widely in the tropics. The cassava is a shrub that grows as tall as 16.5 ft (5 m), and has large, starchy root tubers that can reach 11-22 lb (5-10 kg) in weight, and are processed as food. The tubers of cassava mature in about 18 months, but …
Various species of spurges are grown as showy plants in horticulture. Care must be taken with these plants, because their milky latex is very acrid, and can injure skin and moist membranes. The milder symptoms of contact with the latex of spurges include a dermatitis of the skin. The eyes are especially sensitive, and can be exposed to the latex if a contaminated hand is used to scratch an eye. Se…
Many species of spurges have become noxious weeds in agriculture, especially in pastures, because these plants can be toxic to cattle if eaten in large quantities. One example of an economically important weed is the leafy spurge or wolf's-milk (Euphorbia esula). This species was originally native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, but became an invasive weed when it was introduced to…
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