What is the Euphorbiaceae plant family?

The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family , contains approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera of flowering plants. Found predominantly in tropical regions, the family includes annual and perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees, and a few climbers. Many Euphorbiaceae species are economically important as food sources, while others are used for medicinal drugs, waxes, and oils. Some species, such as the manchineel ( Hippomane mancinella ), are poisonous, while others like copperleaf ( Acalypha ) and croton ( Codiaeum variegatum ) are valued for their colorful bracts and unusual forms. Molecular studies have split the traditional Euphorbiaceae into multiple families.

What are some common characteristics of Euphorbiaceae plants?

The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family, contains approximately 5,700 species across 218 genera. These plants can be herbs, shrubs, trees, or even vines, often containing latex. While they are found worldwide, they are most common in temperate and tropical regions. Key characteristics include unusual floral structures with reduced male and female flowers enclosed in a cup-shaped structure called a cyathium. The flowers are small and unisexual, typically with three chambers in the ovary and prominent stigmas. The fruits are typically explosively dehiscent capsules with three chambers, each containing one seed. Many species have poisonous juice.

Can you name a few well-known plants that belong to the Euphorbiaceae family?

The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family , contains approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera. These flowering plants are mainly found in tropical regions and consist of herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers. Well-known plants in the Euphorbiaceae family include: * Castor-oil plant ( Ricinus communis ) * Cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) * Copperleaf ( Acalypha ) * Croton ( Codiaeum variegatum ) * Rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis ) * Poinsettia ( Euphorbia pulcherrima )

Where are Euphorbiaceae plants usually found in the world?

The spurge family ( Euphorbiaceae ) includes approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera. While members of the family can be found worldwide, excluding cold alpine or arctic regions, they are predominantly located in temperate or tropical climates. Euphorbiaceae habitats range from flat, creeping herbs to trees and shrubs. Certain thorny succulents in this family resemble cacti; however, unlike cacti, Euphorbiaceae secrete a milky, frequently toxic sap. Many plants belonging to Euphorbiaceae are economically significant as sources of food, waxes, and oils. They also have medicinal applications. Conversely, some species are known for their toxicity, while others are valued for their vibrant bracts and unique shapes.

What are some unique features that help identify Euphorbiaceae plants?

Members of the Euphorbiaceae family, also known as the spurge family, exhibit unique traits. Their flowers are typically unisexual, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers form a unique cluster called a cyathium. This structure consists of a single female flower, made up of one pistil, surrounded by numerous male flowers, each having only one stamen. Many species of Euphorbiaceae contain milky latex and have explosive fruits with three chambers. The largest genus, Euphorbia , has highly reduced inflorescences that appear as single flowers. Some species have colorful bracts (modified leaves) that resemble flower petals.

How are Euphorbiaceae plants important to humans or the environment?

The Euphorbiaceae family, or spurge family, contains roughly 5,700 species across 218 genera. Many members of this family serve as important food sources, while others provide waxes, oils, and medicinal drugs. Some are dangerous because of poisonous fruits, leaves, or sap, but many are grown for their colorful bracts or unusual forms. For example, the roots of Manihot esculenta yield tapioca, cassava, or manioc, which is an important food starch. Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) produces latex harvested for natural rubber. The dragon's blood sap of Croton lechleri is marketed as an antidiarrheal for AIDS patients and is used for wound healing.

Euphorbiaceae

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Euphorbiaceae

plant family

Also known as: spurge family

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Top Questions

What is the Euphorbiaceae plant family?
The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family, contains approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera of flowering plants. Found predominantly in tropical regions, the family includes annual and perennial herbs, woody shrubs or trees, and a few climbers.

Many Euphorbiaceae species are economically important as food sources, while others are used for medicinal drugs, waxes, and oils. Some species, such as the manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), are poisonous, while others like copperleaf (Acalypha) and croton (Codiaeum variegatum) are valued for their colorful bracts and unusual forms. Molecular studies have split the traditional Euphorbiaceae into multiple families.
5 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What are some common characteristics of Euphorbiaceae plants?
The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family, contains approximately 5,700 species across 218 genera. These plants can be herbs, shrubs, trees, or even vines, often containing latex. While they are found worldwide, they are most common in temperate and tropical regions.

Key characteristics include unusual floral structures with reduced male and female flowers enclosed in a cup-shaped structure called a cyathium. The flowers are small and unisexual, typically with three chambers in the ovary and prominent stigmas. The fruits are typically explosively dehiscent capsules with three chambers, each containing one seed. Many species have poisonous juice.
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Can you name a few well-known plants that belong to the Euphorbiaceae family?
The Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family, contains approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera. These flowering plants are mainly found in tropical regions and consist of herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers.

Well-known plants in the Euphorbiaceae family include:
* Castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis)
* Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
* Copperleaf (Acalypha)
* Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
* Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
* Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Where are Euphorbiaceae plants usually found in the world?
The spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) includes approximately 6,745 species across 218 genera. While members of the family can be found worldwide, excluding cold alpine or arctic regions, they are predominantly located in temperate or tropical climates.

Euphorbiaceae habitats range from flat, creeping herbs to trees and shrubs. Certain thorny succulents in this family resemble cacti; however, unlike cacti, Euphorbiaceae secrete a milky, frequently toxic sap.

Many plants belonging to Euphorbiaceae are economically significant as sources of food, waxes, and oils. They also have medicinal applications. Conversely, some species are known for their toxicity, while others are valued for their vibrant bracts and unique shapes.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What are some unique features that help identify Euphorbiaceae plants?
Members of the Euphorbiaceae family, also known as the spurge family, exhibit unique traits. Their flowers are typically unisexual, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers form a unique cluster called a cyathium. This structure consists of a single female flower, made up of one pistil, surrounded by numerous male flowers, each having only one stamen.

Many species of Euphorbiaceae contain milky latex and have explosive fruits with three chambers. The largest genus, Euphorbia, has highly reduced inflorescences that appear as single flowers. Some species have colorful bracts (modified leaves) that resemble flower petals.
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How are Euphorbiaceae plants important to humans or the environment?
The Euphorbiaceae family, or spurge family, contains roughly 5,700 species across 218 genera. Many members of this family serve as important food sources, while others provide waxes, oils, and medicinal drugs. Some are dangerous because of poisonous fruits, leaves, or sap, but many are grown for their colorful bracts or unusual forms. For example, the roots of Manihot esculenta yield tapioca, cassava, or manioc, which is an important food starch. Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) produces latex harvested for natural rubber. The dragon's blood sap of Croton lechleri is marketed as an antidiarrheal for AIDS patients and is used for wound healing.
2 Britannica Sources
1. Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae, Peraceae, and Rafflesiaceae
2. Euphorbiaceae
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Euphorbiaceae, spurge family of flowering plants (order Malpighiales), containing some 6,880 species in 223 genera. Many members are important food sources. Others are useful for their waxes and oils and as a source of medicinal drugs; dangerous for their poisonous fruits, leaves, or sap; or attractive for their colorful bracts (leaflike structures located just below flower clusters) or unusual forms. Although species of the family grow throughout the world, except in cold alpine or arctic regions, most of them are found in temperate or tropical regions. The family consists of annual and perennial herbs and woody shrubs or trees as well as a few climbers.

Physical description

Tread-softlyA dainty tread-softly (*Cnidoscolus stimulosus*) plant in bloom. The plant is covered with stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation if touched.

Flowers are of one sex, and male and female flowers are usually borne on the same plant. Petals are rarely present. Flowers of the largest genus, Euphorbia, are in cup-shaped clusters called cyathia, each of which seems to be a single female flower but actually consists of a single pistil surrounded by several male flowers, each of which has a single stamen. These clusters of reduced flowers are enclosed by an involucre (whorl) of bracts (modified leaves) that resembles a corolla, or whorl of flower petals. Male flowers of the other genera have one to many stamens, free or joined. Female flowers have three-chambered ovaries that are superior (that is, above, not enclosed by, other flower parts). There are as many styles as there are ovary cavities. The fruit is a three-chambered capsule. Leaves are usually simple and are alternate (or, rarely, opposite or whorled) in arrangement along the stems. The stems of many species contain a milky latex.

(Read Britannica’s list 7 Dangerous Plants You Should Never Touch)

Venus's-flytrap. Venus's-flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) one of the best known of the meat-eating plants. Carnivorous plant, Venus flytrap, Venus fly trap

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Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous

Major genera and species

Members of the family known for beauty or usefulness include Euphorbia, commonly called spurge, which comprises a wide range of succulent plants, from lawn weeds to cactuslike plants and poinsettias; ornamentals such as Codiaeum, sandbox tree (Hura), copperleaf (Acalypha), Phyllanthus, redbird cactus (Pedilanthus), and Jatropha; and economically important plants such as castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis), croton (Croton tiglium), Omphalea, cassava (Manihot esculenta), rubber (Hevea), tung tree (Aleurites; a source of candlenut oil), and tallow tree (Triadica sebifera). The manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella) bears poisonous fruits, and mercury (Mercurialis) is a weed in many areas.

Euphorbia, with 1,800 to 2,250 species (including the former genera Chamaesyce, Pedilanthus, and Poinsettia), is the largest genus in the family. The whole inflorescence is highly reduced (the male flower has a single stamen, and the female flower lacks any petals) and functions as if it were a single flower. Like many members of the family, the milky sap is poisonous. Several succulent species are popular greenhouse plants, and the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is an iconic Christmas plant; the showy “petals” are modified leafy bracts of the inflorescence.

With about 1,300 species, the tropical and warm temperate Croton is characterized by distinctive pollen and stellate (starlike) or scalelike hairs. Croton tiglium produces croton oil, which is used as a strong purgative in some places. The sap of a group of South American species close to C. lechleri is called sangre de drago (“dragon’s blood”); it is used for a variety of traditional remedies, such as wound healing. The popular houseplant known as croton is the unrelated Codiaeum variegatum.

Acalypha (430 species) is pantropical. Macaranga (240 species) is native to the Paleotropics, and a number provide homes to ants, which in turn protect the plant. Jatropha (175 species) is pantropical. Mallotus (140 species) is mostly Indo-Malesian. Dalechampia (115 species) is mostly New World, some with stinging hairs. Tragia (170 species) is tropical and warm temperate, some with stinging hairs. Sapium (100 species) is largely tropical and warm temperate. The tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) yields a rubber and fat used in candles and soap and is also used as a decorative tree on city streets. Cnidosculus (93 species) is New World with stinging hairs.