3-38 Euphorbiaceae, spurge family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, spurge family, Euphorbia, Chamaesyce, sandmat, spurge

Abstract

Worldwide, the spurges total about 7500 species in 300 genera. Nova Scotia‘s flora contains only nine species. Many are trees or shrubs, while ours are all herbaceous annuals or perennials. Leaves are simple and may be alternate, opposite or whorled. Flowers are regular and always unisexual, the perianth small and inconspicuous. Sepals distinct or connate and may be in one or two whorls, or absent. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule known as a schizocarp.
Generally the plant‘s latex is mildly to violently poisonous. Several are ornamentals or houseplants, the Castor-bean Plant, Poinsettia and Croton for example. Photographs are included from Sean Blaney, Martin Thomas, and Ross Hall.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor