Portland spurge (Euphorbia portlandica, Sp. Pl.: 458 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 458 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe

Description

Portland spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia portlandica, is a notable member of the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant was first described and classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, wherein it held the record on page 458.

Native to Western Europe, Portland spurge thrives in a variety of coastal habitats, which include sandy soils and rocky cliffs. Its adaptability to different environments within its geographical range underlines its resilience and versatile nature. Portland spurge is often recognized for its distinct characteristics, such as its greenish-yellow flowers and milky sap, which is a hallmark of many plants within the Euphorbiaceae family.

The plant exhibits an intriguing structure with its simple, alternate leaves and erect stems, which can reach a moderate height, making it a subtle yet distinctive presence in its natural habitat. The flowers of Euphorbia portlandica are grouped in clusters and are often surrounded by yellow-green bracts that enhance their visibility against the backdrop of typical coastal scenery.

Portland spurge’s ecological role is significant; it provides a habitat for various insects, including specific pollinators that are crucial for the reproduction of numerous plant species within its environment. Its persistence and growth patterns also contribute to soil stabilization along the coastal regions where it is found.

In conclusion, Euphorbia portlandica, or Portland spurge, is an important plant species within the West European flora. Its historical classification by Linnaeus and its presence in diverse coastal ecosystems underline both its scientific and environmental significance.

Common Names

Nld: kustwolfsmelk
Eng: portland spurge
Cym: fflamgoed y morgreigiau, fflamgoed y tywod, llaethlys portland
En: Portland Spurge
Nl: Kustwolfsmelk
Cy: Fflamgoed y Morgreigiau, Fflamgoed y Tywod, Llaethlys Portland
: Portland spurge

Synonyms

• Euphorbia fallax (Deysson)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. littoralis (Lange)
• Euphorbia segetalis subsp. portlandica ((L.) Litard.)
• Tithymalus declinatus (Moench)
• Galarhoeus imbricatus ((Vahl) Haw.)
• Esula portlandica ((L.) Haw.)
• Allobia portlandica ((L.) Raf.)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. portlandica ((L.) Fiori)
• Euphorbia segetalis var. litoralis (Lange)
• Euphorbia pinea subsp. portlandica ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Tithymalus imbricatus ((Vahl) Klotzsch & Garcke)
• Tithymalus portlandicus ((L.) Hill)

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Víctor Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Víctor Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 1975 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 1975 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Thomas Engst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Adán Gonçalves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Gabybota (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2016 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Pauline Rascle (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 27, 1980 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Fero Looxi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 20, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3065081)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:347863-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia portlandica L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]