Geraldton carnation spurge (Euphorbia terracina, Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 654 (1762))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 654 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Macaronesia, Hungary to Medit. and Arabian Pen.

Description

The Geraldton carnation spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia terracina, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Documented in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1762 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus (often abbreviated as L.), this plant has since garnered attention for its distinctive features and widespread distribution.

Originating from diverse regions, the Geraldton carnation spurge can be observed in a variety of climates and landscapes, spanning Macaronesia, parts of Hungary, and extending across the Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula. Such adaptability speaks volumes about the plant’s resilience and ability to thrive in disparate environmental conditions.

The plant is characterized by its unique floral structure reminiscent of a carnation, which, combined with its spurge family roots, gives it both aesthetic appeal and botanical interest. As with many species in the Euphorbia genus, it is crucial to note that Euphorbia terracina contains a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin, a common trait among spurges that warrants careful handling.

Ecologically, the Geraldton carnation spurge contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits, often occupying niches where it competes with native flora. Its presence in non-native areas has sometimes been associated with invasive behavior, necessitating management to balance its growth with that of indigenous plant species.

Overall, Euphorbia terracina is a testament to nature’s versatility and the intricate balance within ecosystems, making it a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for ecologists and horticulturists. Whether admired for its beauty or studied for its ecological impact, the Geraldton carnation spurge remains a notable and engaging component of the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: geraldton carnation spurge, geraldton carnation weed, geraldton carnation-weed, terracina spurge, carnation spurge, false caper
En: Geraldton carnation spurge, Geraldton carnation-weed, False caper, Geraldton carnation weed, Terracina spurge, Carnation spurge, Coastal Spurge
Ar: لبين (لِبين)، لبينه (لِبيْنه), فربيون أرضي
Ca: Lleteresa terracina
Hr: Končasta mlječika
Fi: Espanjantyräkki, Tylppötyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe de Terracine
He: חלבלוב החוף
It: Euforbia di Terracina
Pt: Ésula-das-areias

Synonyms

• Euphorbia carullae (Sennen)
• Euphorbia italica (G.Tineo)
• Euphorbia affinis (DC.)
• Euphorbia diversifolia (Poir.)
• Euphorbia trapezoidalis (Viv.)
• Euphorbia panacea (Webb & Berthel.)
• Tithymalus trapezoidalis ((Viv.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Euphorbia terracina var. angustifolia (Lange)
• Euphorbia mendax (Maire & Wilczek)
• Euphorbia leiosperma (Sm.)
• Euphorbia seticornis (Poir.)
• Euphorbia verna (Salzm. ex Ball)
• Euphorbia terracina var. multicaulis (Batt.)
• Euphorbia tenuicuspis (Guss. ex Rchb.)
• Euphorbia modesta (Boiss.)
• Euphorbia abortiva (Porta)
• Euphorbia terracina var. trapezoidalis ((Viv.) Hochr.)
• Euphorbia provincialis (Willd.)
• Euphorbia ramosissima (Loisel.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. alexandrina ((Delile) El-Kanemy)
• Tithymalus terracinus ((L.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Tithymalus panaceus ((Webb & Berthel.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Euphorbia rhombea (Willd. ex Link)
• Euphorbia cyprianii (Maire & Sennen)
• Euphorbia ehrenbergii (Sweet)
• Euphorbia terracina subvar. valentina ((Ortega) Pérez Lara)
• Euphorbia terracina subvar. provincialis ((Willd.) Pérez Lara)
• Euphorbia terracina var. ramosissima ((Loisel.) Nyman)
• Euphorbia terracina var. latifolia ((Boiss.) Willk. & Lange)
• Esula terracina ((L.) Fourr.)
• Esula valentina ((Ortega) Haw.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. almeriensis (Sennen)
• Euphorbia terracina subsp. valentina ((Ortega) Pérez Lara)
• Euphorbia terracina f. retusa ((Boiss.) Vindt)
• Keraselma provinciale ((Willd.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia linaria (Link)
• Lophobios terracina ((L.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia neapolitana (Ten.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. variicornis (Maire & Sennen)
• Euphorbia terracina var. modesta ((Boiss.) Boiss.)
• Euphorbia alexandrina (Delile)
• Esula provincialis ((Willd.) Haw.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. mendax ((Maire & Wilczek) Maire)
• Euphorbia obliquata (Forssk.)
• Keraselma diversifolium ((Poir.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia terracina f. angustifolia ((Lange) Batt.)
• Euphorbia valentina (Ortega)
• Euphorbia provincialis var. latifolia (Boiss.)
• Euphorbia heterophylla (Desf.)
• Euphorbia garrullae (Sennen)
• Euphorbia provincialis var. retusa (Boiss.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. obliquata ((Forssk.) Fiori)
• Euphorbia terracina var. ecarunculata (Boiss.)
• Euphorbia terracina var. leiosperma ((Sm.) Halácsy)
• Euphorbia terracina subvar. serratifolia (A.Bolòs)
• Euphorbia terracina f. latifolia ((Boiss.) Vindt)
• Euphorbia halacsyi (Formánek)
• Euphorbia terracina var. delortii (Timb.-Lagr. ex Nyman)
• Euphorbia terracina var. hieronymi (Sennen)
• Euphorbia terracina var. retusa ((Boiss.) Willk. & Lange)
• Euphorbia purpurascens (Salzm. ex Ball)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Mexico Central (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 Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Marsen Matressa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2019 by Amedeo Alberto Falci (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Raphaël Rousseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by llagaria ismael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Valerio María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by JLBM JLBM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2021 by padrós toni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Ambre Matencio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2020 by pierre marie l’anthoen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Carlos Rubí (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2020 by Pascal Médard (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348473-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3064472)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia terracina L.)

Specifications

Growth