Spiny spurge (Euphorbia spinosa, Sp. Pl.: 457 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 457 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Spiny spurge, scientifically known as Euphorbia spinosa, is a fascinating plant that captures interest due to its unique appearance and resilience. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species is a member of the diverse Euphorbiaceae family.

This plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in the often harsh and dry conditions characteristic of the climate. The spiny spurge is well adapted to such an environment, showcasing its tenacity and versatility.

One of the most distinctive features of the spiny spurge are its spines, which lend the plant both its common name and a defensive capability against herbivores. These spines, combined with its small, often inconspicuous flowers, make the spiny spurge a unique specimen among other Euphorbia species.

This plant is typically found in rocky or degraded soils, where its deep root system helps it to access water resources that other plants might not reach. Furthermore, the spiny spurge displays a commendable ability to thrive even in the thin, nutrient-poor soils of its native habitat.

Through these adaptations, the spiny spurge plays a role in the Mediterranean ecosystems, contributing to soil stabilization and offering protection to certain small animals or insects seeking refuge among its spines.

The botanical significance of Euphorbia spinosa lies not only in its resilience but also in its evolutionary adaptations that enable it to flourish where other plants might struggle. These characteristics make it a noteworthy subject for those interested in botany, horticulture, and the study of plant adaptations.

In summary, the spiny spurge is a robust and intriguing plant, demonstrating significant adaptability and perseverance, which have allowed it to persist through centuries in the often demanding Mediterranean landscape. Its distinctive spiny morphology and ecological roles further enhance its botanical intrigue.

Common Names

Swe: taggtörel
En: Spiny Spurge, Spurge
Ca: Lleteresa espinosa
Fi: Italianvarputyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe épineuse
De: Stachelige Wolfsmilch
It: Euforbia spinosa
Sv: Taggtörel
: Spiny spurge

Synonyms

• Galarhoeus spinosus ((L.) Haw.)
• Tithymalus spinosus ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Colubra Bastarda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by kokoss kokoss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Colubra Bastarda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Babis Mantelis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 8, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2018 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Stathis Xanthopoulos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348329-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3066151)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphorbia spinosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 3