Euphorbia characias
Euphorbia characias, commonly known as Mediterranean spurge, is a striking perennial prized for its architectural foliage and lime-green bracts. While celebrated in landscaping for its drought tolerance and structural beauty, it contains a milky latex that requires careful handling due to its potential skin and eye irritation properties.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia characias
- 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 classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Euphorbia.
| 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, known scientifically as Euphorbia characias, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In Catalan, it is called lleteresa vera, while in German, it is commonly known as Palisaden-Wolfsmilch. In Finnish, the plant is identified as välimerentyräkki, and in Welsh, it carries the name Yebe ås rates. Finally, in Welsh (Cymraeg), it is known as Llaethlys Môr y Canoldir.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ca | lleteresa vera | Wikidata |
| de | Palisaden-Wolfsmilch | Wikidata |
| fi | välimerentyräkki | Wikidata |
| wa | Yebe ås rates | Wikidata |
| cy | Llaethlys Môr y Canoldir | Wikidata |
| bg | средиземноморска млечка | Wikidata |
| el | Ευφορβία η χαρακίας | Wikidata |
| arz | الفربيون شارسياس | Wikidata |
| zh | 地中海大戟 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 地中海大戟 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be observed within Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is found growing in Germany. The plant also extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting the Baleares and Corse. Finally, its range continues through the landscapes of France.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Mediterranean spurge, is characterized by its striking architectural form and unique physiological features. The most notable aspect of its biology is the presence of a milky, white latex that flows from the stems and leaves when the plant is injured or broken. This sap contains various chemical compounds that serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores, though it is also known to be a significant skin irritant to humans. Beyond this distinctive fluid, the plant is defined by its structural components, including its fleshy, blue-green glaucous leaves and its large, showy yellowish-green bracts that surround the tiny, inconspicuous true flowers.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| latex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia characias has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, topaquinone.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| topaquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia characias has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, HIV, warts, wounds.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| warts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |