Euphorbia prostrata Aiton (1789: 139)

Silva, Otávio Luis Marques Da, Cordeiro, Inês & Caruzo, Maria Beatriz Rossi, 2014, Synopsis of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, Phytotaxa 181 (4), pp. 193-215 : 205

17. Euphorbia prostrata Aiton (1789: 139) ( Fig. 6A–C ). Type:— ENGLAND. Richmond, Surrey: Cultivated in Kew Gardens from seeds collected in the West Indies , Miller s.n. (holotype BM).

Distribution and habitat:— Euphorbia prostrata is a worldwide tropical and subtropical weed. In the State of São Paulo the species is very common, mainly in disturbed areas.

Representative Specimen:— BRAZIL. São Paulo: Angatuba , 18 December 2012, O.L.M. Silva et al. 45 (SP) .

Taxonomic notes:— Euphorbia prostrata differs from all other prostrate Euphorbia species in São Paulo by its ovary and fruit with trichomes in two rows along the keel of the cocci, and, on the involucre, only on the lobes. Also, the species is unique by having dark purple anthers, while the others species have yellow, pinkish or reddish anthers.

Figures

FIGURE 6. A–C: Euphorbia prostrata. A. habit, B. branch with cyathia. C. cyathium. D–F: Euphorbia sciadophila. D: habit, E: branch with cyathia, F. cyathium. G–H: Euphorbia serpens. G. habit, H. branch with cyathia. Photos: O.L.M. Silva.