Spurge
Euphorbia humifusa
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A low herb. It spreads over the ground and is 15-20 cm across. The small branches are slender. The leaves are opposite and small. They do not have leaf stalks. They are 5-10 mm long by 4-6 mm wide. The base is oblique. There are teeth along the edge. The leaves are green and tinged purplish-red. The flowers are small and red. The fruit capsules are almost round and the seeds are 3 sided.
There are about 2000 Euphorbia species. Most Euphorbias have sap which irritates the skin.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In China it grows from sea level to 3,000 m above sea level. It can be on sandy hills and sea shores.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Central Asia, China, Europe, Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan
How it is used for food
Caution: All Euphorbias or spurges have irritating sap and many have chemicals that can cause cancer. The shoots and leaves are eaten.
It is sold in local markets in China.
Edible parts
Leaves, plant - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ru zai cao, Ttangbindae