Euphorbia canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island spurge, Hercules club[7] or in Spanish cardón,[8]: 206 is a succulent member of the genus Euphorbia and family Euphorbiaceae[3] endemic to the Canary Islands.[9] It is the plant symbol of the island of Gran Canaria.[10]
Euphorbia canariensis | |
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Canary Island spurge close to the Mirador de Archipenque at Los Gigantes | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Euphorbia |
Species: | E. canariensis |
Binomial name | |
Euphorbia canariensis | |
Synonyms | |
Euphorbia canariensis Forssk. |
Description
The Canary Island spurge is a succulent shrub, growing to between 3 and 4 metres (10 and 13 ft) high. It is made up of fleshy quadrangular or pentagonal trunks that look like cacti. It has no leaves, instead bearing spines 5 to 14 millimetres (0.20 to 0.55 in) long. It produces reddish-green flowers.[9] It is hardy to −2 °C (28 °F).[11]
The latex, which contains diterpenes[12] is poisonous.[13]
- Spines on a young shoot
- Flowers
- Fruit
Distribution
The species is found on the narrow coastal belt, from sea level to 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) in the Canary Islands.[13]
See also
References
External links
- Media related to Euphorbia canariensis at Wikimedia Commons
- Decandolle, A.P. (1837). "Illustration of Euphorbia canariensis". Plantarum historia succulentarum = Histoire des plantes grasses. Retrieved 2008-03-22.