Euphorbiaceae, also known as the Spurge family, is a diverse and fascinating group of plants that encompasses a wide range of species. Belonging to the order Euphorbiales, Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest plant families, exhibiting remarkable diversity in form, habit, and ecological adaptations.
Within the Euphorbiaceae family, you will find a plethora of plants with various growth forms, including trees, shrubs, succulents, and herbs. Many members of this family possess unique and intriguing characteristics that make them captivating additions to any garden or botanical collection.
One of the notable features of Euphorbiaceae is the presence of latex, a milky sap found in many of its species. This latex serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores and contains chemical compounds that can be toxic or irritating to humans and animals.
Euphorbiaceae includes numerous well-known and economically important plants. Among them are the diverse species of the Euphorbia genus, which includes the popular houseplant Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns) and the striking Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia), famously associated with the festive holiday season.
Another notable member of the family is Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant), recognized for its large, palmate leaves and the seeds from which castor oil is extracted. Jatropha curcas (Physic Nut) is also a significant species within Euphorbiaceae, valued for its oil-rich seeds and potential as a biofuel source.
The flowers of Euphorbiaceae are diverse in structure and form. While some species produce showy and colorful flowers, others have inconspicuous blooms. Inflorescences can vary from simple clusters to complex arrangements, adding further visual interest to these plants.
Euphorbiaceae is a global family, with representatives found in various regions around the world, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Their adaptability to diverse environments makes them intriguing subjects for horticulture and botanical exploration.
When it comes to cultivation and care, specific requirements vary among different genera and species within Euphorbiaceae. It is important to research the specific needs of the plant you are interested in growing. However, in general, many Euphorbiaceae plants prefer well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and moderate watering. It is also advisable to handle these plants with caution, as the latex can cause skin and eye irritation.
From the fascinating architectural forms of succulent Euphorbias to the striking foliage of tropical species, Euphorbiaceae offers a diverse array of plants to explore and appreciate. Whether you are an avid gardener or a lover of botanical wonders, incorporating members of this family into your collection will surely add intrigue and beauty to your surroundings.
The Genera in Euphorbiaceae family of plants include:
Acidocroton
Acidoton
Actinostemon
Adelia
Adenochlaena
Adenocline
Adenopeltis
Adenophaedra
Adriana
Afrotrewia
Agrostistachys
Alchornea
Alchorneopsis
Aleurites
Algernonia
Alphandia
Amperea
Amyrea
Angostylis
Anisophyllum
Annesijoa
Anomostachys
Anthostema
Aparisthmium
Argomuellera
Argythamnia
Astraea
Astrococcus
Aubletiana
Avellanita
Balakata
Baliospermum
Baloghia
Benoistia
Bernardia
Bertya
Beyeria
Bia
Blachia
Blumeodendron
Bocquillonia
Bonania
Borneodendron
Bossera
Botryophora
Brasiliocroton
Calycopeplus
Caperonia
Caryodendron
Cavacoa
Cephalocroton
Cephalocrotonopsis
Cephalomappa
Chamaesyce
Cheilosa
Chiropetalum
Chlamydojatropha
Chondrostylis
Chorisandrachne
Chrozophora
Cladogelonium
Cladogynos
Claoxylon
Claoxylopsis
Cleidiocarpon
Cleidion
Clonostylis
Cnesmone
Cnidoscolus
Cocconerion
Colliguaja
Colobocarpos
Conceveiba
Conosapium
Croton
Crotonogyne
Crotonogynopsis
Cyrtogonone
Cyttaranthus
Dalechampia
Dalembertia
Dendrocousinsia
Dendrothrix
Deutzianthus
Dichostemma
Dimorphocalyx
Discoclaoxylon
Discocleidion
Discoglypremna
Ditaxis
Ditrysinia
Ditta
Dodecastigma
Doryxylon
Droceloncia
Dysopsis
Elateriospermum
Endospermum
Enriquebeltrania
Epiprinus
Erismanthus
Erythrococca
Euphorbi
Excoecaria
Falconeria
Fontainea
Garcia
Givotia
Glycydendron
Grimmeodendron
Grossera
Gymnanthes
Haematostemon
Hamilcoa
Hancea
Hevea
Hippomane
Homalanthus
Homonoia
Hura
Hylandia
Joannesia
Klaineanthus
Koilodepas
Lasiococca
Lasiocroton
Leeuwenbergia
Leidesia
Leucocroton
Lobanilia
Mabea
Macaranga
Mallotus
Manihot
Manniophyton
Maprounea
Mareya
Mareyopsis
Megistostigma
Melanolepis
Mercurialis
Micrandra
Micrandropsis
Micrococca
Microstachys
Monotaxis
Moultonianthus
Muricococcum
Myricanthe
Nealchornea
Necepsia
Neoboutonia
Neoguillauminia
Neoscortechinia
Neoshirakia
Oligoceras
Omphalea
Ophellantha
Ophthalmoblapton
Orfilea
Ostodes
Pachystroma
Pachystylidium
Pantadenia
Paracroton
Paranecepsia
Parapantadenia
Pausandra
Philyra
Pimelodendron
Plagiostyles
Platygyna
Pleradenophora
Plesiatropha
Plukenetia
Podadenia
Poinsettia
Pseudagrostistachys
Pseudosenefeldera
Ptychopyxis
Pycnocoma
Radcliffea
Reutealis
Rhodothyrsus
Ricinocarpos
Ricinodendron
Rockinghamia
Romanoa
Sagotia
Sampantaea
Sandwithia
Sapium
Schinziophyton
Sclerocroton
Sebastiania
Seidelia
Senefeldera
Senefelderopsis
Shirakiopsis
Shonia
Spathiostemon
Spegazziniophytum
Speranskia
Sphaerostylis
Sphyranthera
Spirostachys
Stillingia
Strophioblachia
Sumbaviopsis
Suregada
Synadenium
Syndyophyllum
Tannodia
Tapoides
Tetrorchidium
Thyrsanthera
Tragia
Tragiella
Trevia
Triadica
Trigonostemon
Vaupesia
Vernicia
Wetria
