Euphorbia aka Tree Euphorbia

Euphorbia is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly known as spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. It encompasses a wide range of species, from tiny annual plants to tall trees, with Euphorbia ampliphylla being one of the tallest at over 98 feet. With approximately 2,000 members, Euphorbia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants and has a wide range of chromosome counts. The type species for the genus is Euphorbia antiquorum, first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Some euphorbias, such as poinsettias, are widely available commercially, particularly during Christmas. Others are cultivated as ornamental plants or highly valued for their unique floral structures, like the crown of thorns plant. Succulent euphorbias from Southern Africa and Madagascar have evolved similar characteristics to cacti and are often mistakenly referred to as such. These plants are used in landscaping due to their striking forms and tolerance to drought and heat. All euphorbias share the common feature of having a poisonous, latex-like sap and unique floral structures. The flowers are arranged in a head-like structure called a pseudanthium, specifically a cyathium, where each flower is reduced to its essential reproductive parts. Male flowers consist only of stamens, while female flowers consist of pistils. Unlike typical flowers, euphorbia flowers lack sepals and petals. The structures supporting the flower head have evolved to attract pollinators with nectar and visually striking shapes and colors. Euphorbia plants can be thorny evergreen shrubs or subshrubs with thick, glossy dark green foliage and spiny stems. They often climb over other plants. Small white flowers with petal-like bracts and yellow centers appear in summer. Some varieties of Euphorbia, also known as spurge, can be invasive in the United States. Overall, Euphorbia is a fascinating and diverse genus of plants with a wide range of forms and adaptations, making them highly valued for their aesthetic appeal and resilience.