Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Malpighiales
Genus:
Species:
elliptica
ID:
962548

Status:
valid

Authors:
Lam.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1788

Citation Micro:
Encycl. 2: 425 (1788)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000961886



Common Names

  • Spurge
  • Elliptic Spurge
  • Elliptical Leaf Spurge


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Description

Euphorbia elliptica (also called Elliptic Spurge, among many other common names) is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It typically grows in rocky, sandy soils in dry, open areas. It has a rounded, spreading habit with thick, fleshy, green-gray leaves and small, yellow-green flowers.

Uses & Benefits

Euphorbia elliptica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It has a low-growing, spreading habit and produces small, yellow-green flowers in the summer. It is also used as a hedge plant and as a ground cover.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Euphorbia elliptica is a small, yellowish-green inflorescence, with a single female flower in the center and several male flowers around it. The seed is a three-lobed capsule, containing small, black, angular seeds. The seedlings are small, with two cotyledons and a single, short stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Euphorbia elliptica is a succulent shrub that grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. It has thick, fleshy stems with small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are green to gray-green in color and have a waxy coating. The plant produces small yellow flowers in the summer. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, sandy soil. Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.

Where to Find Euphorbia elliptica

Euphorbia elliptica can be found in the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Species in the Euphorbia genus

Euphorbia abdulghafooriana, Euphorbia acanthodes, Euphorbia borealis, Euphorbia calcarata, Euphorbia coalcomanensis, Euphorbia colligata, Euphorbia conzattii, Euphorbia cymbifera, Euphorbia cyri, Euphorbia diazlunana, Euphorbia dressleri, Euphorbia finkii, Euphorbia lomelii, Euphorbia meuselii, Euphorbia nocens, Euphorbia patentispina, Euphorbia peritropoides, Euphorbia personata, Euphorbia randrianijohanyi, Euphorbia rauhii, Euphorbia razafindratsirae, Euphorbia rosescens, Euphorbia tehuacana, Euphorbia trialata, Euphorbia ammophila, Euphorbia densispina, Euphorbia derickii, Euphorbia einensis, Euphorbia frankii, Euphorbia godana, Euphorbia hamaderoensis, Euphorbia bianoensis, Euphorbia biselegans, Euphorbia bisellenbeckii, Euphorbia bisglobosa, Euphorbia bodenghieniae, Euphorbia burkartii, Euphorbia calderoniae, Euphorbia catenata, Euphorbia chevalieri, Euphorbia clarae, Euphorbia crenata, Euphorbia cupricola, Euphorbia descampsii, Euphorbia dilunguensis, Euphorbia discoidea, Euphorbia echinulata, Euphorbia erythrocucullata, Euphorbia fernandez-lopezii, Euphorbia filiformis,

Species in the Euphorbiaceae family

Acalypha peckoltii, Acalypha peduncularis, Acalypha pendula, Acalypha perrieri, Acalypha persimilis, Acalypha peruviana, Acalypha pervilleana, Acalypha phleoides, Acalypha phyllonomifolia, Acalypha pilosa, Acalypha pippenii, Acalypha pittieri, Acalypha platyphylla, Acalypha pleiogyne, Acalypha plicata, Acalypha pohliana, Acalypha poiretii, Acalypha polymorpha, Acalypha polystachya, Acalypha portoricensis, Acalypha pruinosa, Acalypha pruriens, Acalypha pseudalopecuroides, Acalypha pseudovagans, Acalypha psilostachya, Acalypha pubiflora, Acalypha pulchrespicata, Acalypha punctata, Acalypha purpurascens, Acalypha purpusii, Acalypha pycnantha, Acalypha pygmaea, Acalypha radians, Acalypha radicans, Acalypha radinostachya, Acalypha radula, Acalypha radula, Acalypha rafaelensis, Acalypha raivavensis, Acalypha rapensis, Acalypha reflexa, Acalypha repanda, Acalypha retifera, Acalypha rhombifolia, Acalypha rhomboidea, Acalypha richardiana, Acalypha riedeliana, Acalypha rivularis, Acalypha rottleroides, Acalypha rubrinervis,