The Stout Poison-Milk Stem

Euphorbia characias L.
Scientific name:
Euphorbia characias L.
Common name:
Mediterranean Spurge
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Biological form:
Camefita fruticosa

Characteristics

Habit: Perennial suffrutex up to 120 cm tall with milky latex. Leaves narrow, bluish-green. Flowers: Cyathia grouped in terminal umbels. Fruits: Three-lobed capsules. Flowering: February–June.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Steno-Mediterranean. Distribution in Italy: Common in coastal and southern regions. Habitat: Dry, sunny Mediterranean scrub and rocky soils, up to 1000 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Euphorbia): Named after Euphorbus, physician of King Juba II. Specific name (characias): Refers to stake-like stems.

Uses and properties

Latex highly toxic and irritant; also studied for medicinal compounds.

Curiosities

Seed dispersal involves ants (myrmecochory).