Euphorbiaceae
Large family of flowering plants including many succulent, shrubby, arboreal and herbaceous species. Characterized by white milky latex and reduced flowers in cyathia. Worldwide distribution; especially diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. Includes important succulent genera such as Euphorbia, Monadenium, Pedilanthus and Chamaesyce.
Chamaesyce
Chamaesyce
Genus of succulent or semi-succulent plants of the Euphorbiaceae family, currently considered by many authors as a section of the genus Euphorbia (APG IV). Its species are characterized by milky latex, cyathia (reduced inflorescences) and habits ranging from annual herbs to succulent shrubs. Especially diverse in the Hawaiian Islands, where several species are endemic and have adapted to arid to semi-dry habitats. Many Hawaiian species have small, coriaceous leaves on branched stems — a growth form adapted to aridity. The genus was separated from Euphorbia by Rafinesque and recognized by some botanists until the 21st century, although most recent treatments place it as Euphorbia section Chamaesyce.
Elaeophorbia
Elaeophorbia
Genus of arborescent succulent plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, subfamily Euphorbioideae. Species are large succulent trees or shrubs with highly caustic white latex and characteristic cyathia. Closely related to Euphorbia, distinguished by their fleshy drupaceous fruits and imposing tree habit.
Esula
Esula
Subgenus or segregated genus of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae), recognised in some modern classification systems. Groups herbaceous and subshrubby Euphorbiaceae from the Mediterranean, Europe and temperate Asia, characterised by cyathia with lunulate or trapezoidal glands and entire alternate leaves. The most notable species is Esula dendroides (synonym: Euphorbia dendroides), the so-called Mediterranean tree spurge.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia
The world's most diverse plant genus with over 2 000 species, including succulent euphorbias with cactiform morphology, spiny shrubs, and candelabra trees. The white latex of all species is toxic. Note: E. abdelkuri is endemic to Abdelkuri (Abd al-Kuri) island, part of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen).
Jatropha
Jatropha
Genus of shrubs, trees and succulent plants in the Euphorbiaceae family with over 170 species distributed in tropics and subtropics. Many form a succulent caudex or trunk. Several are toxic. J. curcas is a source of biodiesel. J. berlandieri and J. cathartica are collected for their caudex.
Manihot
Manihot
Genus of the family Euphorbiaceae with about 100 species of shrubs and trees, native mainly to tropical and subtropical America. The best-known species is M. esculenta (cassava/manioc), a globally important food crop. Several species are caudex-forming succulents prized by collectors.
Medusea
Medusea
Historical genus of the family Euphorbiaceae, now treated as a synonym of Euphorbia or its subgenus Medusea. Groups the "Medusa-head" type euphorbias: succulent plants with a central body from which numerous radial succulent branches radiate, like the tentacles of Medusa. Native to South Africa.
Monadenium
Monadenium
Genus of the family Euphorbiaceae native to east and southern Africa, currently included in Euphorbia (subgenus Monadenium) under APG IV circumscription. Succulent plants with a single nectary (monaden = one gland) in the cyathium, succulent and often tuberculate stems, highly valued in cultivation.
Pedilanthus
Pedilanthus
Poinsettia
Poinsettia
Historical genus of Euphorbiaceae, currently synonymised into Euphorbia; represented in the Caribbean by the "Jamaican Poinsettia" (P. punicea = Euphorbia punicea), a semi-succulent shrub with scarlet bracts and toxic milky latex.
Spirostachys
Spirostachys
Genus of the family Euphorbiaceae, adapted to arid conditions in southern Africa.
Synadenium
Synadenium