Euphorbia cyathophora Murray

Murray, J.A. (1786) Commentationes Societatis Regiae Scientiarum Gottingensis 7: 81. Type: Cultivated plant from seeds of unknown origin?.

Painted Spurge; Dwarf Poinsettia

Usually flowers and fruits as a shrub about 1-2 m tall.

Twigs and petioles produce a milky exudate. Leaf blades about 7-9.5 x 3-3.5 cm. Petioles grooved on the upper surface.

One large nectar-producing gland present on the outer surface of each flower cluster. (Flower clusters can be easily mistaken for single flowers.)

Capsules about 3-4 x 5-6 mm, glabrous. Seeds about 3 mm long, testa tuberculate.

Features not available.

An introduced weed originally from tropical America now naturalised in WA, NT, CYP, NEQ, CEQ and southwards to coastal central New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 800 m. Usually grows on agricultural land but also found in disturbed areas in rain forest.

This species may have medicinal properties.