Canary spurge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary spurge |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
mellifera
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The Euphorbia mellifera, also known as the Canary spurge or honey spurge, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the spurge family, called Euphorbiaceae. This plant naturally grows in Madeira and the Canary Islands.
It is an evergreen shrub or small tree. This means it keeps its leaves all year round. The plant can grow up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall and wide. Its leaves are long and narrow, reaching up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length. In the spring, it grows brown flowers that smell like honey.
The second part of its scientific name, mellifera, comes from Latin. It means "producing honey," which fits perfectly with its honey-scented flowers!
About the Honey Spurge
The Euphorbia mellifera is a popular plant for gardens. It has even won a special prize called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is an excellent plant for gardeners to grow.
Sometimes, different types of plants can mix together. A plant called Euphorbia × pasteurii is a hybrid. This means it is a mix between E. mellifera and another plant called E. stygiana.
Important Safety Tip
Like all plants in the euphorbia family, the honey spurge has a milky-white sap. This sap oozes out if you cut the stems. It is very important to be careful with this sap. It can irritate your skin. It is also very harmful if it gets into your eyes. Always wear gloves if you are working with this plant, especially when pruning it.
See also
In Spanish: Tabaiba silvestre o adelfa de monte para niños
