Euphorbia thymifolia Linnaeus (1753: 454)

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 : 207

22. Euphorbia thymifolia Linnaeus (1753: 454) ( Fig. 7D–E ). Lectotype (designated by Wheeler 1941: 253):—Locality unknown, Anonymous s.n. (LINN 630.10!).

Distribution and habitat:— Euphorbia thymifolia 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: Eldorado , 11 October 2012, O.L.M. Silva & M. Pastore 35 (SP) .

Taxonomic notes:— Euphorbia thymifolia is very similar to E. adenoptera , but these species may be distinguished by cyathial glands appendages, anther color and fruiting pedicel (see notes under E. adenoptera ).

The species is commonly misidentified as Euphorbia prostrata because of its prostrate growth, but differs from it due to its cyathial glands with unequal appendages, completely pubescent ovary and fruit (vs. cyathial glands with equal appendages and trichomes restricted to the keel of the cocci in E. prostrata ), yellow to reddish anthers (vs. blackish in E. prostrata ) and brown seeds (vs. grayish in E. prostrata ).

Figures

FIGURE 7. A–C: Euphorbia setosa. A. habit, B. stem, C. branch with cyathia. D–E: Euphorbia thymifolia. D. habit, E. branch with cyathia. F–H: Euphorbia zonosperma. F. habit, G. leaf, H. cyathia. Photos:A–E: O.L.M. Silva, F–H: M. Pastore.