Euphorbia peplus
Euphorbia peplus
Safety & Hazards
The latex causes irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Due to the toxicity of the latex, it is advised to use the plant topically only[1]. Lactating goats, which fed on the aerial parts of this plant mixed with their usual green fodder, showed symptoms of general poisoning. The main toxic effects were seen in the heart, lung and liver. The milk of these goats, when consumed by their offspring, caused poisoning and even death, with signs similar to those observed in the adults. The toxicity is caused by ingenane type diterpenes[1].
Cultivation Details
Prefers a position with some shade[1]. In Australia Euphorbia peplus is grown in small plots for latex production. As the plants can be easily killed by herbicides, and because they do not spread beyond shade, the risk that they will become an invasive weed is small[1]. The plant is classified as 'Invasive' in several countries however, including New Zealand and a number of Pacific Islands[2]. If enough water is available throughout the year, Euphorbia peplus grows and produces seeds all year round and can be harvested for latex or seed whenever the need arises[1]. The plant develops rapidly as it matures in 12 - 14 weeks[1]. In Australia the fresh plant yield of Euphorbia peplus is 1 - 1.5 kg/m2, and latex yield is 100 - 300 mg/kg freshly harvested plant parts[1].
Propagation
Seed - very small (about 1,700 seeds per g) they have a germination rate of more than 70%[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Euphorbia+peplus>
Pollinators
Data unavailable
References
- [1]Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. — http://www.prota.org ↩︎An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
- [2]Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk — http://www.hear.org/pier/scientificnames/index.html ↩︎A very good website detailing weed species that have been introduced into the Pacific Islands.