Categories: Euphorbiaceae

Spotted sandmat (Euphorbia maculata, Sp. Pl.: 455 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 455 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphorbia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to Belize, Cuba, Bahamas

Description

Spotted sandmat, known scientifically as Euphorbia maculata, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. First described in 1753, this plant’s natural distribution stretches from Southeastern Canada, through parts of the United States, and extending as far south as Belize, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Its resilience and adaptability have allowed it to thrive in various climates and conditions across this extensive range.

This annual herb is often recognized by its characteristic spotted leaves and sprawling growth habit. Euphorbia maculata typically grows flat against the ground and forms dense mats, making it a prevalent and easily noticeable species in its native habitats. The plant’s leaves are small, ovate, and typically have a dark spot in the center, which gives the spotted sandmat its common name. These leaves are arranged oppositely on reddish stems, which often exude a milky sap when broken, a trait common to many members of the Euphorbia genus.

The flowers of Euphorbia maculata are minute and inconspicuous, clustered in small cyathia that are characteristic of the Euphorbia family. Despite their diminutive size, these flowers are crucial for the plant’s reproduction and ecological role, providing nectar for various pollinators. Following pollination, the plant produces small, three-lobed seed capsules that eventually burst open to disperse the seeds.

In its native range, spotted sandmat can be found in a variety of habitats, from rocky outcrops and open fields to disturbed areas such as roadsides and urban environments. Its ability to colonize disturbed soils makes it both a resilient native plant and, in some cases, a weed of concern to gardeners and farmers.

Beyond its ecological role, spotted sandmat also has a place in traditional medicine. Indigenous peoples and early settlers have used various parts of the plant for their purported medicinal properties, although modern scientific validation is limited.

In summary, Euphorbia maculata is a noteworthy plant due to its widespread distribution, distinct morphology, and adaptive capabilities. As a member of the diverse Euphorbiaceae family, it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Deu: gefleckte zwergwolfsmilch, gefleckte wolfsmilch
Eng: milk purslane, milk-purslane, prostrate spurge, spotted sandmat, spotted spurge, blotched spurge, creeping spurge, hairy-fruited spurge, milk spurge
Dan: plet-vortemælk
Swe: fläcktörel
Spa: lechosilla
Nld: straatwolfsmelk
Fra: euphorbe maculée, euphorbe tachetée, ricinelle maculée
Cym: llaethlys brych
En: Spotted sandmat, Spotted spurge, Milk-purslane, Large spurge, Milk purslane, Prostrate spurge, Blotched spurge, Creeping spurge, Hairy-fruited spurge, Milk spurge
Ar: فربيون ملطخ
Az: Xallı südləyən
Ca: Lleterola maculada
Zh: 斑地錦
Cs: Pryšec skvrnitý
Da: Plet-vortemælk
Nl: Straatwolfsmelk
Fi: Täplätyräkki
Fr: Euphorbe maculée, Euphorbe tachetée, Ricinelle maculée, Euphorbe à feuilles tachées, Euphorbe de Jovet
De: Gefleckte Wolfsmilch, Gefleckte Zwergwolfsmilch, Gefleckte Schiefblattwolfsmilch
He: חלבלוב נטוי
It: Euforbia macchiata
Ja: Ko-nishiki-sō
Ru: Молочай пятнистый
Sk: Mliečnik škvrnitý
Es: Lechosilla
Sv: Fläcktörel
Zh-tw: 斑地錦
Cy: Llaethlys brych

Synonyms

Euphorbia depressa (Torr. ex Spreng.)
Chamaesyce pseudonutans (Thell.)
Tithymalus maculatus ((L.) Moench)
Euphorbia jovetii (Huguet)
Chamaesyce supina ((Raf.) H.Hara)
Anisophyllum maculatum ((L.) Haw.)
Chamaesyce maculata ((L.) Small)
Euphorbia maculata var. detonsa (Engelm. ex Boiss.)
Xamesike littoralis (Raf.)
Euphorbia maculata var. parvula (Riddell)
Euphorbia supina (Raf.)
Xamesike maculata ((L.) Raf.)
Chamaesyce tracyi (Small)
Chamaesyce jovetii ((Huguet) Holub)
Xamesike supina ((Raf.) Raf.)
Xamesike depressa ((Torr. ex Spreng.) Raf.)

Distribution

Alabama (native)
Arizona (native)
Arkansas (native)
Bahamas (native)
Belize (native)
Connecticut (native)
Cuba (native)
Delaware (native)
District of Columbia (native)
Florida (native)
Georgia (native)
Idaho (native)
Illinois (native)
Indiana (native)
Iowa (native)
Kansas (native)
Kentucky (native)
Louisiana (native)
Maine (native)
Maryland (native)
Masachusettes (native)
Mexico Gulf (native)
Mexico Northeast (native)
Mexico Northwest (native)
Mexico Southeast (native)
Mexico Southwest (native)
Michigan (native)
Minnesota (native)
Mississippi (native)
Missouri (native)
Montana (native)
Nebraska (native)
New Brunswick (native)
New Hampshire (native)
New Jersey (native)
New Mexico (native)
New York (native)
North Carolina (native)
North Dakota (native)
Ohio (native)
Oklahoma (native)
Ontario (native)
Pennsylvania (native)
Québec (native)
Rhode I. (native)
South Carolina (native)
South Dakota (native)
Tennessee (native)
Texas (native)
Vermont (native)
Virginia (native)
West Virginia (native)
Wisconsin (native)
Wyoming (native)
Albania (introduced)
Algeria (introduced)
Argentina Northeast (introduced)
Argentina Northwest (introduced)
Aruba (introduced)
Austria (introduced)
Azores (introduced)
Belgium (introduced)
Bermuda (introduced)
Bolivia (introduced)
Brazil South (introduced)
British Columbia (introduced)
Bulgaria (introduced)
California (introduced)
Canary Is. (introduced)
Chile Central (introduced)
China North-Central (introduced)
China South-Central (introduced)
China Southeast (introduced)
Colombia (introduced)
Colorado (introduced)
Cook Is. (introduced)
Czechoslovakia (introduced)
East Aegean Is. (introduced)
Ecuador (introduced)
Egypt (introduced)
France (introduced)
Germany (introduced)
Greece (introduced)
Guyana (introduced)
Hawaii (introduced)
Hungary (introduced)
Iran (introduced)
Italy (introduced)
Japan (introduced)
Korea (introduced)
Kriti (introduced)
Krym (introduced)
Leeward Is. (introduced)
Marshall Is. (introduced)
Morocco (introduced)
Nansei-shoto (introduced)
Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
Nevada (introduced)
New South Wales (introduced)
New Zealand North (introduced)
New Zealand South (introduced)
Norfolk Is. (introduced)
North Caucasus (introduced)
Nova Scotia (introduced)
Oregon (introduced)
Palestine (introduced)
Paraguay (introduced)
Poland (introduced)
Portugal (introduced)
Primorye (introduced)
Prince Edward I. (introduced)
Queensland (introduced)
Sardegna (introduced)
Sicilia (introduced)
Society Is. (introduced)
South Australia (introduced)
Spain (introduced)
Switzerland (introduced)
Tadzhikistan (introduced)
Taiwan (introduced)
Transcaucasus (introduced)
Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Tunisia (introduced)
Ukraine (introduced)
Uruguay (introduced)
Utah (introduced)
Venezuela (introduced)
Victoria (introduced)
Washington (introduced)
Western Australia (introduced)