Euphorbia rigida, the gopher spurge or upright myrtle spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. Growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall and broad, it is a bushy evergreen perennial with somewhat fleshy leaves arranged in a spiral, bearing bunches of bright yellow flowers in late Spring.
| Euphorbia rigida | |
|---|---|
| |
| Gopher spurge has an unusual green flower with tiny yellow/orange petals in its center | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. rigida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia rigida | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Euphorbia biglandulosa Desf. | |
In its native Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East it is considered a weed.[1] It has appeared spontaneously in the California wilderness but is not considered a noxious weed.[2]
Gardening
editThis plant is commonly used as an ornamental in temperate gardens of Europe and North America, where it is valued as a relatively trouble-free specimen for drought-resistant and low-maintenance situations. It is especially useful for underplanting larger shrubs such as roses. It performs best in well-drained soil in the sun or light shade.[3] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5]
Toxicity
editAs with others of the genus, all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. When cut or broken, the wounds leak a milky sap which can cause skin irritation.
Biofuels
editResearch has been done on using Euphorbia rigida as a bio fuel. It has been shown to produce 137 gallons of oil per acre.[6]
| Pyrolysis Reactor Type: | Fixed Bed |
| Process Type: | Hydropyrolysis |
References
edit- ^ Kavak H. Melampsora euphorbiae, a new rust disease found on Euphorbia rigida in Turkey. Plant Pathology [serial online]. December 2004;53(6):810. Available from: Environment Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 13, 2010.
- ^ "Idaho State Noxious Weeds List | USDA PLANTS".
- ^ Swift, J. (2010, March 20). The aliens in the garden - Euphorbias come in all shapes and sizes and will add drama to your borders, says Joe Swift. Times, The (London, England) (01 ed.), 20,21. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News)
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Euphorbia rigida". Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 38. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ "Biodiesel: The Sustainability Dimensions". Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2010-05-14.
Media related to Euphorbia rigida at Wikimedia Commons