Euphorbia geniculata
Ortega
Common spurge
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Samuel M, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Samuel M, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Samuel M, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A herb. It has milky sap. The stems are hollow. The leaves are fattened sword shaped but narrow to the tip. There are some irregular dents in the edge of the leaf near its base. The flowers are light green. The occur in clusters at the ends of branches.
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten occasionally and are used as a famine food.
Traditional Uses
Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer. The leaves are eaten occasionally.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
Toxicity is documented in most members of the genus Euphorbia. Individuals sensitive to latex are known to have strong reactions, including dermatitis and anaphylaxis, to the latex exuded by this plant.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It is commonly found in wet places. It grows between sea level and 3,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Central America, East Africa, Indochina, Kenya, Kiribati, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, SE Asia, Thailand, USA, West Indies,
Other Information
The leaves are a famine food.
Notes
There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin.
Also Known As
ka-Bunga-iiri, ka-Riaria
References (5)
- Henty, E.E., & Pritchard, G.S., 1973, Weeds of New Guinea and their control. Botany Bulletin No 7, Division of Botany, Lae, PNG. p 101
- McMakin, P.D., 2000, Flowering Plants of Thailand. A Field Guide. White Lotus. p 93
- Nov. pl. descr. dec. 18. 1797
- RILEY & BROKENSHA,
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 16th April 2011]
