African spurge

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African spurge
• resin spurge

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tithymalus resinifer
• Euphorbia resinifera var. chlorosoma

Regional and Traditional Names

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 classified under the family Euphorbiaceae and specifically within the genus Euphorbia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within a specific range in the Mediterranean region. Its distribution is notably concentrated in Southwestern Europe, specifically within the country of Spain. Additionally, the species can be located across the sea in Northern Africa. Within this African territory, it is documented to grow in Morocco. Consequently, its natural habitat is limited to these two distinct geographical areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Euphorbia resinifera is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a growth form where the majority of the plant's photosynthetic organs are situated close to the soil surface, often protected by seasonal dormancy or environmental buffering. This life strategy allows the species to navigate its specific ecological niches, typically in Mediterranean-type climates, by maintaining a low-growing stature that minimizes exposure to desiccating winds while maximizing sunlight absorption. As a perennial species, its life cycle involves a continuous or seasonal development pattern where its woody or semi-woody base provides structural resilience. The plant's reproductive phase involves the production of specialized cyathia, which facilitate pollination and subsequent seed dispersal, ensuring the persistence of the population across its natural range. This chamaephytic habit is central to its survival, enabling the plant to endure fluctuating moisture levels and temperature extremes through its compact, ground-hugging architecture.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Euphorbia resinifera is characterized by a growth habit that functions as a self-supporting clamberer, utilizing its structural rigidity to maintain an upright or sprawling presence without the necessity of external climbing structures. It is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with host plants, and maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Euphorbia resinifera has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Resiniferatoxin, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, Aluminium, COPPER, Capsaicin.

Resiniferatoxin

1. Journal of plant physiology
2. Life sciences

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Aluminium

1. Environmental science and pollution research international

COPPER

1. Environmental science and pollution research international

Capsaicin

1. Life sciences

Carotenoids

1. Journal of plant physiology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of plant physiology

Gallic acid

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Hexoses

1. Journal of plant physiology

IRON

1. Environmental science and pollution research international

Activities

Euphorbia resinifera has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antidiuretic, Antimalarial.

Antioxidant

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Chemistry & biodiversity

Anticancer

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antidiuretic

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antimalarial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Medicinal Uses

Euphorbia resinifera has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, neurogenic inflammation, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, pain.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations