The Euphorbiaceae or spurge family, sometimes referred to as “euphorbias” is a large family of flowering plants that includes about 7,500 species occurring mainly in the tropics. Many have white milky latex containing a wide variety of toxic substances (phytotoxins). Some are of considerable economic importance for production of oils, medicines and as ornamental plants. African succulent species of Euphorbia, the largest genus in the family, are CITES listed in Appendix II and regulated in international trade.
Examples of plants in this family:
Euphorbia officinarum
Euphorbia officiarum subspecies echinus
Euphorbia poissonii
Euphorbia polyacantha
Euphorbia trapaeifolia
Euphorbia unispina
Euphorbia venenifica
This page was last updated on September 4, 2023.