Euphorbia dendroides, also known as tree spurge, is a small tree or large shrub of the family Euphorbiaceae that grows in semi-arid and mediterranean climates.

Euphorbia dendroides
Euphorbia dendroides on the Mediterranean
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. dendroides
Binomial name
Euphorbia dendroides

Distribution and habitat

edit

Euphorbia dendroides has a wide distribution throughout the Mediterranean Sea, from the Balearic Islands in the west to the Aegean Islands in the east. It is found primarily in Europe and is restricted to northern Tunisia in North Africa.[1][3] This plant is sensitive to frost, so it only grows on protected and sunny mountainsides in hilly areas. It has been introduced to other countries out of its original range as an ornamental tree.

Description

edit

This bush also has uses in traditional medicine; like many other species of genus Euphorbia[4] its toxic white and sticky sap has been used to treat skin excrescences, like cancers, tumors, and warts since ancient times.

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Wilson, B. (2018). "Euphorbia dendroides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T79914128A119836518. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T79914128A119836518.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  3. ^ "Euphorbia dendroides" (PDF). Flora Iberica. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  4. ^ Lletereses