Categories: Euphorbiaceae

Ridge-seed spurge (Euphorbia glyptosperma, W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 186 (1858))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: Engelm.

Bibliography: W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 186 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Canada to U.S.A. and NE. Mexico

Description

Ridge-seed spurge, scientifically named Euphorbia glyptosperma, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. First described by Engelm. in 1858 in W.H. Emory’s report on the United States and Mexico Boundary, this spurge is noted for its widespread distribution, ranging from the expanses of Canada through much of the United States and reaching into northeastern Mexico.

Characterized by its distinctive seeds, which feature a unique ridge pattern contributing to its common name, Ridge-seed spurge thrives in a variety of habitats. It demonstrates a remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions, an attribute that has enabled it to span such a broad geographic range.

This plant typically exhibits the classic traits of the Euphorbiaceae family, including its resilience and ability to grow in less fertile soils where other species may struggle. Its presence across a diverse set of climates and terrains underscores its ecological versatility.

In addition to its biological interest, Ridge-seed spurge plays a role in local ecosystems, often contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat for various small organisms. Its extensive range from North to Central America makes it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike, who study its interactions within these environments.

Ridge-seed spurge’s historical and ongoing presence across such a vast area highlights the plant’s successful adaptation mechanisms, making it an important species for understanding plant ecology and the evolutionary processes that facilitate a wide climatic tolerance.

Common Names

Eng: ribseed sandmat, ridge-seed spurge, ridgeseed spurge, ridge-seeded spurge, corrugate-seeded spurge, rib-seed sandmat
Fra: euphorbe côtelée, euphorbe à graines entaillées
En: Ridge-seed spurge, RIB-SEED SANDMAT, RIDGESEED SPURGE, Ribseed sandmat, Ribseed spurge, Ridge-seeded spurge, Corrugate-seeded spurge
Fr: Euphorbe côtelée, Euphorbe à graines entaillées

Synonyms

Euphorbia glyptosperma var. tenerrima (Engelm.)
Chamaesyce glyptosperma var. integrata (Lunell)
Chamaesyce glyptosperma var. pubescens ((Boiss.) Millsp.)
Chamaesyce glyptosperma ((Engelm.) Small)
Euphorbia glyptosperma var. pubescens (Boiss.)

Distribution

Alberta (native)
Arizona (native)
British Columbia (native)
California (native)
Colorado (native)
Connecticut (native)
Idaho (native)
Illinois (native)
Indiana (native)
Iowa (native)
Kansas (native)
Louisiana (native)
Maine (native)
Manitoba (native)
Masachusettes (native)
Mexico Northeast (native)
Michigan (native)
Minnesota (native)
Missouri (native)
Montana (native)
Nebraska (native)
Nevada (native)
New Brunswick (native)
New Hampshire (native)
New Mexico (native)
New York (native)
North Dakota (native)
Nova Scotia (native)
Oklahoma (native)
Ontario (native)
Oregon (native)
Prince Edward I. (native)
Québec (native)
Saskatchewan (native)
South Dakota (native)
Tennessee (native)
Texas (native)
Utah (native)
Vermont (native)
Washington (native)
Wisconsin (native)
Wyoming (native)
Austria (introduced)
Belgium (introduced)
France (introduced)
Hungary (introduced)
Italy (introduced)
Krym (introduced)
Netherlands (introduced)
Peru (introduced)
Romania (introduced)
South European Russi (introduced)
Spain (introduced)
Sweden (introduced)
Switzerland (introduced)
Yugoslavia (introduced)