Chamaesyce

Morphological Summary

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.