return to: checklist; keys,
key 3; family Euphorbiaceae
subfamily Euphorbioideae
Euphorbia heterophylla L.
Weedy
herb with milky white latex; leaves opposite towards the base
of the stem, alternate towards the apex, simple, variable in shape,
linear lanceolate to elliptic, lobed or unlobed, base generally
cuneate, margins entire or toothed, apex +/- acute, leaves subtending
the reproductive structures somewhat pale near the base, but never
red or pink; flowers minute, highly reduced, crowded into cup-like
cyathia crowdes at the stem apex; cyathium green, with a single
prominent cylindrical, yellow gland; depending on stage of maturity,
jointed stamens, naked 3-carpellate ovaries, or explosively dehiscent
capsules emerge from the apex of the cyathium.
Addtional images:
Listed as an important source of pollen and/or nectar for bees
(Souza Novello 1981).
Weedy
herb with milky white latex; leaves opposite towards the base
of the stem, alternate towards the apex, simple, variable in shape,
linear lanceolate to elliptic, lobed or unlobed, base generally
cuneate, margins entire or toothed, apex +/- acute, leaves subtending
the reproductive structures somewhat pale near the base, but never
red or pink; flowers minute, highly reduced, crowded into cup-like
cyathia crowdes at the stem apex; cyathium green, with a single
prominent cylindrical, yellow gland; depending on stage of maturity,
jointed stamens, naked 3-carpellate ovaries, or explosively dehiscent
capsules emerge from the apex of the cyathium.
