Garden Spurge, Caper Spurge
Euphorbia lathyris

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It has a stout erect stem. The leaves are almost opposite. They are dark bluish green and do not have a leaf stalk. The leaf surface is paler underneath. The sap can irritate the skin and is possibly poisonous. The fruit look like capers (Capparis spinosa).

There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Azores, Britain, Caucasus, Chile, China, East Africa, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Slovenia, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are used as a substitute for capers. They are first steeped in salt water, then in vinegar. The root is used for fermenting beer. CAUTION: The seeds are poisonous. Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer.

It has been cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, flowers, root - drink

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Burg-sadab, Gopher plant, Križnolistni mleček, Mole plant, Myrtle spurge, Sudab

Synonyms

Epurga lathyris (L.) Fourr.; Euphorbia decussata Salisb.; Euphorbia spongiosa Ledeb. ex Schrank; and others