Euphorbia deltoidea (syn. Chamaesyce deltoidea)[2] is a species of flowering plant endemic to Florida in the United States.[3] The taxonomy of the plant is difficult, with some authorities dividing it into four subspecies and some into three; also, it is frequently listed as a member of the old genus Chamaesyce.[3][4] One subspecies, ssp. deltoidea, is a federally listed endangered species called deltoid spurge.[4] It is found only in Miami-Dade County.[3] Another subspecies, ssp. adhaerens, is often included with it under the name deltoidea instead of separately, making it difficult to keep count of how many endangered plants there are.[4] This is generally dealt with by placing the "endangered species" label on any taxon within the species that is limited to Miami-Dade County, however many names they may have.[3]
| Euphorbia deltoidea | |
|---|---|
| |
| subsp. deltoidea | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. deltoidea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia deltoidea | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
List
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The deltoid spurge grows in a heavily populated county which has been overtaken by urban development. About 98% of the plant's natural habitat has been drastically altered or destroyed, causing its rarity.[3] The plant grows in South Florida's pine rocklands, an increasingly rare type of forest habitat that is stabilized by periodic wildfire.[5] The plant grows in open, sunny areas and depends on fires to clear away brush and litter that threaten to shade it out.[3] Fire suppression in Miami-Dade prevents this natural fire regime.[3] Other threats to the species include invasive plant species such as Burma reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana).[3]
References
edit- ^ The Plant List, Euphorbia deltoidea Engelm. ex Chapm.
- ^ "Euphorbia deltoidea". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h USFWS. Deltoid Spurge. Multispecies Recovery Plan for South Florida. May 18, 1999.
- ^ a b c USFWS. Deltoid Spurge Five Year Review. June 15, 2010.
- ^ "South Florida Rocklands". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund. World Wildlife Fund Report.
External links
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