Common spurge
Euphorbia geniculata
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A herb. It has milky sap. The stems are hollow. The leaves are fattened sword shaped but narrow to the tip. There are some irregular dents in the edge of the leaf near its base. The flowers are light green. The occur in clusters at the ends of branches.
There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It is commonly found in wet places. It grows between sea level and 3,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Central America, East Africa, Indochina, Kenya, Kiribati, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Thailand, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer. The leaves are eaten occasionally.
The leaves are a famine food.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
ka-Bunga-iiri, ka-Riaria