Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae (pronounced: yoo-for-bee-ay-see-ee), also known as the spurge family, is a large family of flowering plants with over 300 genera and around 7,500 species. Most are tropical, but they also occur in temperate climates.
Etymology
The name Euphorbiaceae comes from Euphorbus, the Greek physician of King Juba II of Numidia (52–50 BC – 23 AD), who married the daughter of Anthony and Cleopatra. He is reported to have used a certain plant, possibly Euphorbia resinifera, as a herbal remedy, and the plant was named after him.
Description
Members of the Euphorbiaceae family are incredibly diverse, ranging from herbaceous plants to trees and succulents. They are generally characterized by their milky sap, which can be toxic, and their unique flower structure.
Genera
Some of the most well-known genera in the Euphorbiaceae family include:
- Euphorbia: One of the largest and most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, with over 2,000 species.
- Ricinus: A genus of about 10 species, including the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis).
- Manihot: A genus of about 100 species, including the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta).
Related Terms
- Phytochemistry: The study of chemicals derived from plants. Euphorbiaceae are known for their diverse range of secondary metabolites.
- Taxonomy: The science of classification. The taxonomy of Euphorbiaceae has been subject to many changes over the years.
- Botany: The scientific study of plants. Euphorbiaceae are of great interest to botanists due to their diversity and wide distribution.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Euphorbiaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Euphorbiaceae
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