Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 460 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Euphorbia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Medit., Europe to Türkiye, Ethiopia
Description
Broad spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia platyphyllos, is a distinctive plant noted for its widespread presence across various regions. Its origins trace back to Macaronesia and the Mediterranean, extending through Europe to Türkiye and further south to Ethiopia. This extensive distribution highlights its adaptability and resilience in diverse climates and soils.
The broad leaves of the Euphorbia platyphyllos are a prominent feature, contributing to its common name. These leaves play a crucial role in photosynthesis, allowing the plant to thrive in its natural habitats. The plant is part of the Euphorbiaceae family, a group known for its unique and often intriguing members, many of which have specialized adaptations for survival in challenging environments.
First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” Euphorbia platyphyllos has since been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts. Linnaeus’ classification has provided a foundation for understanding the complex relationships within the Euphorbiaceae family and continues to influence botanical studies today.
In the natural landscape, broad spurge can be found in a variety of settings, from cultivated lands to wild, undisturbed areas. Despite its unassuming appearance, this plant plays a vital role in its ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its environment. Whether encountered in the fields of Europe, the rugged terrains of Türkiye, or the diverse ecosystems of Ethiopia, Euphorbia platyphyllos stands as a testament to the intricate and interconnected world of plants.
Common Names
Dan: bredbladet vortemælk
Deu: breitblättrige wolfsmilch
Eng: broad spurge, broad-leaved spurge, broadleaf spurge, broad leaved spurge
Nld: brede wolfsmelk
Swe: bredtörel
Fra: euphorbe à larges feuilles, euphorbe à grandes feuilles
Ces: mlie
Cym: fflamgoed lydanddail, llaethlys llydanddail
En: Broad spurge, Broadleaf spurge, Broad-leaved Spurge, Broad leaved spurge, Spurge
Cs: Mlie
Da: Bredbladet vortemælk
Nl: Brede wolfsmelk
Fi: Herttatyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe à larges feuilles, Euphorbe à grandes feuilles, Euphorbe à feuilles larges, Euphorbe à feuilles plates
De: Breitblättrige Wolfsmilch, Flachblättrige Wolfsmilch
It: Euforbia rognosa, Euforbia minore
Sv: Bredtörel
Cy: Fflamgoed Lydanddail, Llaethlys Llydanddail
Synonyms
- Tithymalus platyphyllos ((L.) Hill)
- Euphorbia platyphyllos var. bilbilitana (Pau)
- Galarhoeus platyphyllus ((L.) Haw.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Chile Central (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Paraguay (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Philippe Macquet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Ivaniv Roman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Contented88 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2020 by frederico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Robert Drajewicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Ortiz Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 24, 2020 by Haider Jasmin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Manny Pasqualini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Manó Bádi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Fabiola Pieragostini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 5, 2022 by killar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Anne de Rivaz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2021 by Rudolf Eberli (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3068153)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:347813-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia platyphyllos L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 6