Euphorbia tridentata is a species of succulent spurge native to the southern Cape, South Africa.[1]

Euphorbia tridentata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. tridentata
Binomial name
Euphorbia tridentata
Lam.

Description edit

 
Euphorbia tridentata stems, Heidelberg, Western Cape.

A small, low, spreading, semi-geophytic stem-succulent, with tuberous roots and rhizomes. During the dry seasons, the stems can die back above ground. The stems are somewhat segmented. Each branch is rounded-to-cylindrical, but at its point of growth it is constricted.

The solitary cyathia are carried on short peduncles. Their five involucral glands each carry 3 or 4 distinctive finger-like outgrowths.

Distribution and habitat edit

Euphorbia tridentata is endemic to South Africa.

In the Western Cape Province, it occurs around the town of Riversdale, westwards to Heidelberg and eastwards to Mossel Bay and Hartenbos.

References edit