Euphorbia insulana Vellozo

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 : 202

11. Euphorbia insulana Vellozo (182: 202) ( Fig. 4A–C ). Lectotype (designated here): — BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: “ Euphorbia insulana ” in Vellozo (1831: tab. 14).

Distribution and habitat:— Euphorbia insulana occurs in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. In the State of São Paulo the species occurs in seaside habitats, mainly on islands.

Representative Specimen:— BRAZIL. São Paulo: Cananéia , 21 September 2008, I. Ascencio 2 (ESA) .

Taxonomic notes:— The species may be easily recognized among the others ones occurring in the state of São Paulo by its two, or sometimes three, cyathial glands with fleshy and erect appendages, thick styles and seed coat mammillate. Also, the species is restricted to seashore plains on islands, something uncommon among the species of São Paulo.

Figures

FIGURE 4. A–C: Euphorbia insulana. A. habit, B. cyathium with female flower exserted, C. cyathium with fruit. D–E: Euphorbia ophthalmica. D. habit, E. branch with synflorescence.F–H: Euphorbia papillosa. F. habit, G. stem and leaves, H. cyathium. Photos:A–C: R. Riina, D–H: O.L.M. Silva.