| Euphorbia rhombifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. rhombifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia rhombifolia Boiss. | |
| Synonyms | |
List
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Euphorbia rhombifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Namibia and South Africa, where it is widespread in clay-rich soils, extending as far east as Kwazulu-Natal.
As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.
Description
It grows to 60 or 70 cm in height, with a tuberous root-system that is often eaten by porcupines, and with thin (3-5mm), erect, grey, branching stems. The branches are dichotomous and taper to soft points.
The plants in the south-western Cape (E. caterviflora) are smaller, reaching only 30 cm in height.
The leaves are small (1-3mm), dark, triangular and deciduous. The flowerheads are also small (3mm) and appear from winter into spring.
Related species
This species is part of a group of closely related "stick euphorbias" including Euphorbia burmannii and Euphorbia tenax, which are widespread across southern Africa.
References
- ^ "Euphorbia rhombifolia Boiss". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- "Threatened Species Programme | SANBI Red List of South African Plants".
- "Species+". Retrieved 7 February 2023.
- Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. (2010) Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
- Bruyns, P.V. (2012). Nomenclature and typification of southern African species of Euphorbia. Bothalia 42(2): 217-245.
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