Euphorbia characias wulfenii
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Euphorbia characias wulfenii, scientifically known as Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, is a striking Mediterranean perennial celebrated for its architectural foliage and lime-green bracts. While primarily ornamental, it holds traditional significance in herbal studies, requiring careful handling due to its milky, caustic latex which possesses potent bioactive properties.
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Euphorbia characias wulfenii
- Wolf's-milk
- Wulfen spurge
- large Mediterranean spurge
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfeniiSynonyms
- Tithymalus melapetalus
- Euphorbia characias var. melapetala
- Euphorbia wulfenii
- Tithymalus wulfenii
- Tithymalus sibthorpii
- Euphorbia melapetala
- Euphorbia melapetala var. leiocarpa
- Euphorbia lycia
- Euphorbia sibthorpii
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- euphorbe characias
- Euphorbe des Vallons
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
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 |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
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 |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. |
| Western Asia | East Aegean Is. |
| Western Asia | Türkiye |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Guaijaverin, Hyperoside, quercitrin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Guaijaverin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hyperoside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercitrin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Guaijaverin
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Hyperoside
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
quercitrin
- Journal of ethnopharmacology