Grassleaf spurge (Euphorbia graminea, Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 151 (1763))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 151 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Grassleaf spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia graminea, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This species was first documented in 1763 in “Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.” by the eminent botanist Jacquin, who significantly contributed to the botanical understanding of plants.

This charming flora is native to a vast geographical range extending from Mexico throughout Tropical America, indicating its adaptability to diverse tropical environments. The resilient nature of Grassleaf spurge enables it to thrive in various conditions, making it a prevalent and recognizable species within its native habitat.

Grassleaf spurge is characterized by its grass-like leaves, which contribute to its common name. The plant exhibits a distinctive, delicate appearance with slender stems often covered with a profusion of small, greenish-purple flowers. Its flowers are typically arranged in intricate patterns, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual effect that attracts numerous pollinators.

In the natural world, Grassleaf spurge plays an essential ecological role. It supports various insect species and contributes to the biodiversity of regions within which it grows. Additionally, the plant’s adaptability and ease of growth make it a resilient member of the flora community.

Overall, Grassleaf spurge is not only a plant of botanical interest due to its wide distribution and aesthetic qualities but also an important contributor to the ecological fabric of tropical regions in the Americas.

Common Names

Eng: grassleaf spurge
En: Grassleaf spurge

Synonyms

• Adenopetalum gramineum ((Jacq.) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Eumecanthus gramineus ((Jacq.) Millsp.)
• Agaloma graminea ((Jacq.) D.B.Ward)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by Oliveira Ivanaldo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by rodriguez cristian moises (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2020 by Karina Monserrat Pérez Ramírez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Raphael Dionisio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by seve belle (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 25, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by yves halifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2019 by Chavarria Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by Georges Wulleman (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Chavarria Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2019 by Chavarria Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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.

Habit

Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − Oscar J Almeda-Ayala (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3064170)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:101568-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia graminea Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth