Euphorbia leuconeura is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.[3] Its common name is Madagascar jewel. It is endemic to Madagascar where its natural habitat is forest undergrowth in rocky areas. It can grow to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft), as a branching small tree, and propagates by shooting its seeds several feet into the air. It is threatened by habitat loss.[1]
Euphorbia leuconeura | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. leuconeura
|
Binomial name | |
Euphorbia leuconeura | |
Synonyms | |
Euphorbia lathyrus (lapsus) |
Taxonomy
editThe specific epithet leuconeura is derived from the two ancient greek words λευκός (leukós), meaning "bright, white", and νευρά (neurá), meaning "nerve".[4][5]
Cultivation
editThe Madagascar Jewel is grown as a houseplant for its attractive foliage: dark green leaves, with white veins when young. Unlike many succulents, E. leuconeura is less susceptible to overwatering. It grows best in partial shade but tolerates full shade and is relatively easy to care for providing it is not exposed to cold drafts.[citation needed]
Toxicity
editWhen damaged, the plant secretes a white fluid which is toxic and can cause severe skin irritation. This is typical of most Euphorbia species.
References
edit- ^ a b Haevermans, T. (2004). "Euphorbia leuconeura". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T44372A10896588. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T44372A10896588.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Archived from the original on 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "Euphorbia leuconeura Boiss". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Bailly, Anatole (1981-01-01). Abrégé du dictionnaire grec français. Paris: Hachette. ISBN 978-2010035289. OCLC 461974285.
- ^ Bailly, Anatole. "Greek-french dictionary online". www.tabularium.be. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2017.