Euphorbia rigida also known as Gopher Spurge or Upright Myrtle Spurge is a member of the genus Euphorbia. This genus is one of the largest in the world with 2,000 species and includes Poinsettias[1]. Gopher Spurge is a vascular plant meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass. It has appeared spontaneously in California wilderness but is not considered a noxious weed[2].
Gardening
editGopher Spurge is native to the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East, where it is considered a weed. [3] Americans and Brits commonly use it in their gardens. It is a Spring blooming plant. After flowers have faded the plant should be cut back to the ground to allow for next years growth. The plants wounds leak a milky sap which can cause skin irritation. It should not be planted near fish ponds as the sap can be harmful to fish [4].
Research has been done on using Euphorbia rigida as a bio fuel. It has been shown to produce 137 gallons of oil per acre. [5]
| Pyrolysis Reactor Type: | Fixed Bed |
| Process Type: | Hydropyrolysis |
| Kingdom | Plantae – Plants |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta – Vascular plants |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta – Seed plants |
| Division | Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants |
| Class | Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons |
| Subclass | Rosidae |
| Order | Euphorbiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae – Spurge family |
| Genus | Euphorbia L. – spurge |
| Species | Euphorbia rigida M. Bieb. – upright myrtle spurge[1] |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Growth Habit | Forb/herb [7] |
| Native Status | L48 (I) indicates a lower 48 states, introduced plant[8]. |
References
edit- ^ Swift, J. (2010, March 20). The aliens in the garden - Euphorbias come in all shapes and sizes and will add drama to your borders, says Joe Swift. Times, The (London, England) (01 ed.), 20,21. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News)
- ^ http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious?rptType=State&sort=origin&statefips=16
- ^ Kavak H. Melampsora euphorbiae, a new rust disease found onEuphorbia rigidain Turkey. Plant Pathology [serial online]. December 2004;53(6):810. Available from: Environment Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 13, 2010.
- ^ Swift, J. (2010, March 20). The aliens in the garden - Euphorbias come in all shapes and sizes and will add drama to your borders, says Joe Swift. Times, The (London, England) (01 ed.), 20,21. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News)
- ^ http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biodiesel_sustainable.html#tickell00
- ^ http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=EURI10
- ^ http://plants.usda.gov/growth_habits_def.html
- ^ http://plants.usda.gov/native_status_def.html