Florida hammock sandmat (Euphorbia ophthalmica, Syn. Pl. 2: 13 (1806))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Pers.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 2: 13 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to C. America, Caribbean, Bolivia to Brazil and N. Argentina

Description

The Florida hammock sandmat (Euphorbia ophthalmica) is a plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. This species is widely distributed, ranging from the southeastern United States through Central America and the Caribbean, and extending all the way to Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina.

Euphorbia ophthalmica flourishes in a variety of tropical and subtropical environments, often found in hammocks and other well-drained areas where it can thrive amidst varying conditions. They display characteristics typical of the Euphorbiaceae family, with the ability to adapt and survive in diverse regions.

As part of its systematic classification, this plant was first referenced in “Synopsis Plantarum” (1806), a notable botanical work by Persoon. The synonymic citation reflects its established historical recognition and classification within the broader botanical community.

In terms of structure and appearance, members of the Euphorbia genus often exhibit a milky latex sap, which is a distinguishing feature of this family. The Florida hammock sandmat is no exception, contributing to its recognition and study among botany enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Euphorbia ophthalmica serves as a compelling example of plant resilience and adaptability across a wide geographical swath, highlighting its significance in both ecological and botanical studies.

Common Names

Eng: florida hammock sandmat
En: Florida hammock sandmat

Synonyms

• Chamaesyce hirta var. procumbens (Moldenke)
• Chamaesyce hirta subsp. procumbens (Croizat)
• Euphorbia pilulifera var. procumbens (Boiss.)
• Chamaesyce pilulifera var. procumbens (Small)
• Euphorbia hirta var. procumbens ((Boiss.) N.E.Br.)
• Euphorbia hirta var. ophthalmica ((Pers.) Allem & Irgang)
• Chamaesyce ophthalmica ((Pers.) D.G.Burch)
• Euphorbia bicapitata (Brandegee)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066953)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:101793-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia ophthalmica Pers.)

Specifications

Growth