Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 453 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000962515
Common Names
- Euphorbia heterophylla
- Mexican Fireplant
- Mexican Spurge
Description
Euphorbia heterophylla (also called Heterophyllous Spurge, among many other common names) is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It has thick, fleshy stems and leaves, and produces yellow flowers. It grows in dry, sunny areas and is often found on rocky hillsides.
Uses & Benefits
Euphorbia heterophylla is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, stomach problems, and fever.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Euphorbia heterophylla var. cyathophora (Murray) Boiss.
Euphorbia heterophylla var. heterophylla
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Euphorbia heterophylla has small yellow flowers and small, black seeds. The seedlings are small, with thin stems and small, bright green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Euphorbia heterophylla is a low-growing, succulent shrub that grows up to 1 m (3 ft) tall. It has a spreading, branching habit and can be propagated by cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C (23°F).
Where to Find Euphorbia heterophylla
Euphorbia heterophylla is native to South Africa.
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,