Euphorbien

Euphorbien is the German plural designation for Euphorbia, a large and diverse genus of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae. Commonly called spurges, Euphorbia includes herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, and numerous succulent forms. The genus comprises roughly 2,000 species and has a cosmopolitan distribution, with particularly high species richness in Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Central and South America. Many species inhabit arid or semi-arid environments, but the group also includes tropical and subtropical rainforest members.

Most Euphorbia species exude a milky latex when damaged, a feature that helps deter herbivores but can irritate skin or be toxic if ingested. A distinctive morphological trait is the cyathium, a specialized inflorescence that resembles a single flower but is composed of fused male and female flowers within a cup-like structure. In many succulent species, photosynthesis occurs mainly through stems rather than leaves, giving them a fleshy, columnar appearance.

Ecology and cultivation: Euphorbia species occupy a wide range of habitats, from desert scrub to montane forests. They are popular in horticulture and ornamentals, including Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia) and Euphorbia milii (crown of thorns). They are valued for drought tolerance, varied forms, and striking architectural shapes. Handling plant sap requires care, and some species are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

Propagation is typically by cuttings or seeds, with many succulent forms tolerating dry conditions and bright light. Given their diversity, cultivation requirements vary widely, but most prefer well-drained soil and adequate sun; overwatering is a common hazard. Taxonomy within Euphorbia is complex, with ongoing revisions and numerous synonyms across subgroups and hybrids.