Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Euphorbia characias wulfenii

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, commonly known as Wulfen's Mediterranean Spurge, is a striking perennial prized for its architectural foliage. While primarily ornamental, this plant holds traditional significance in herbal studies. Its unique milky latex contains bioactive compounds, though extreme caution is required due to its potent skin irritant properties.

  • Scientific name: Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, it is classified under the genus Euphorbia as the subspecies wulfenii.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Euphorbia WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various names depending on the language and region, including the English name Euphorbia characias wulfenii, while in Polish it is referred to as Wilczomlecz błękitnawy podgat. Wulfena. In Chinese, the plant is identified by the terms 常绿大戟 (zh), 常绿大戟 (zh-cn), and 常緑大戟 (zh-tw).
Language Common Name Source
en Euphorbia characias wulfenii Wikidata
pl Wilczomlecz błękitnawy podgat. Wulfena Wikidata
zh 常绿大戟 Wikidata
zh-cn 常绿大戟 Wikidata
zh-tw 常緑大戟 Wikidata
en Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated primarily within the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of France. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the subspecies can be found across Albania and Greece. It also maintains a significant presence in the Italian peninsula. Furthermore, its range extends to the island of Kriti, completing its regional footprint.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Western Asia East Aegean Is. WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP

Chemicals

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include guaijaverin, hyperoside, quercitrin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
guaijaverin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆