Euphorbia humifusa
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
Euphorbia humifusa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Stony or disturbed ground.
E. Asia. Naturalized in S. and C. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young shoots - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails and I would have to be very desperate to eat it even then.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Anthelmintic, vulnerary. The whole plant is depurative, diuretic and styptic. A decoction is used in the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, enteritis, poisonous snake bites and traumatic bleeding.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain but since it is naturalized in C. Europe it is very likely that it can be grown here. Other members of this genus prefer a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.