Saw-tooth spurge (Euphorbia serrata, Sp. Pl.: 459 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 459 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., W. & C. Medit.

Description

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Saw-Tooth Spurge: Euphorbia serrata

The plant known commonly as Saw-tooth spurge, carries the scientific name Euphorbia serrata and is a member of the extensive Euphorbiaceae family. First documented by the acclaimed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum, published in 1753, this fascinating species has since been observed in various natural habitats.

Saw-tooth spurge is notable for its geographical distribution, thriving in the sun-drenched regions of the Canary Islands and across the Western and Central Mediterranean. It has adapted well to these climates, showcasing its resilience and versatility in such diverse environments.

This botanical species is distinguishable by its unique leaves, which exhibit a serrated, saw-like edge, giving rise to its common name. The plant’s appearance is both intriguing and distinctive, contributing to the rich tapestry of flora within its native regions.

In addition to its aesthetic and ecological significance, the study and documentation of Euphorbia serrata have been essential for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, providing valuable insights into its growth patterns, environmental preferences, and evolutionary adaptations.

Saw-tooth spurge stands as a testament to the intricate beauty of nature and remains a subject of ongoing observation and interest within the botanical community.

Common Names

Eng: serrate spurge, saw-tooth spurge, saw-toothed spurge, toothed spurge
En: Saw-tooth spurge, Serrate spurge, Toothed spurge, Saw-toothed spurge, Saw-leaved Spurge
Ca: Lleteresa serrada
Fr: Euphorbe à feuilles dentées en scie, Euphorbe dentée
De: Gezähnte Wolfsmilch
It: Euforbia delle messi, Euforbia dentata
Es: Lechetrezna aserrada, Tártago de hoja serrada

Synonyms

• Tithymalus serratus ((L.) Hill)
• Euphorbia serrata f. phylloclada ((Lange) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Chylogala serrata ((L.) Fourr.)
• Euphorbia serrata var. subacaulis (Rouy)
• Euphorbia serrata var. ternata (Cout.)
• Euphorbia serrata var. phylloclada (Lange)
• Euphorbia truncata ((Pers.) Loudon)
• Euphorbia serrata var. foliosa (Sennen)
• Tithymalus denticulatus (Moench)
• Euphorbia serrata var. tenuifolia (Pers.)
• Euphorbia serrata var. longepedicellata (Elías & Sennen)
• Euphorbia serrata var. truncata (Pers.)
• Galarhoeus serratus ((L.) Haw.)
• Euphorbia serrata f. subacaulis ((Rouy) Oudejans)
• Euphorbia serrata f. ternata ((Cout.) Oudejans)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 3, 2020 by Catmic Catmic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2017 by David Angel Ruiz Valmaseda (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Babay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Marie-Claude Deboin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Kevin Findlater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2020 by Catmic Catmic (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Omur Rafa (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Luis U (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by dr. farsadi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3070382)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348254-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia serrata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4