Euphorbia lamarckii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euphorbia lamarckii |
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Euphorbia
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lamarckii
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Euphorbia lamarckii is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It grows naturally on the western Canary Islands. These islands include Tenerife, north-western La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. This plant looks a lot like another plant called Euphorbia regis-jubae. Because they are so similar, people have often mixed them up. Both plants were once known by the name Euphorbia obtusifolia.
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What is Euphorbia lamarckii?
Euphorbia lamarckii is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. It has light brown stems and leaves that are not divided. Its flowers are small and yellowish-green. The plant's flowers usually grow in a special cluster called a compound umbel.
How to Identify This Plant
One special part of its seed is called an elaiosome (or caruncle). This part is attached directly to the seed or has a very short stalk. Euphorbia lamarckii is different from other Euphorbia plants on the Canary Islands. Its flower clusters are shaped like umbels and are yellow-green. Also, the small leaves near the flowers (called floral bracts) fall off before the fruit is fully grown.
Naming and History of Euphorbia lamarckii
The plant Euphorbia lamarckii was first officially described by a botanist named Robert Sweet in 1818. For a long time, there was a lot of confusion about what to call this plant. It is one of the common "tabaiba" plants found in the Canary Islands.
Why the Name Was Confusing
Many books and papers used the name E. obtusifolia for this plant. This name was published by Jean Poiret in 1812. However, another botanist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, had already used the name Euphorbia obtusifolia for a different plant in 1788. This meant Poiret's name was not allowed to be used.
Even though many people used Poiret's name, a suggestion to keep it was turned down in 2000. Some people also used the name Euphorbia broussonetii. But the oldest and correct name for this plant is Euphorbia lamarckii.
Sorting Out the Similar Plants
To make things even more confusing, the name Euphorbia obtusifolia was sometimes used for two different plants in the Canary Islands. These were the western species, which is now called E. lamarckii, and the eastern species, Euphorbia regis-jubae. In 2003, a botanist named David Bramwell pointed out that many publications from 1847 to 1993 had used the wrong names or described where these plants grew incorrectly.
Different Types of Euphorbia lamarckii
Scientists Julián Molero and Ann Maria Rovira have identified two main types, or varieties, of Euphorbia lamarckii:
- Euphorbia lamarckii var. lamarckii: This type is only found in the southern part of Tenerife.
- Euphorbia lamarckii var. broussonetii: This type is found in all other areas, including northern Tenerife.
These two varieties are a bit different. The broussonettii type has wider leaves with a more rounded tip. Its outermost floral bracts also have a less pointy end.
Where Euphorbia lamarckii Grows
Euphorbia lamarckii naturally grows in the western Canary Islands. You can find it on Tenerife, the north-western part of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. This plant does not grow in the same places as Euphorbia regis-jubae. Euphorbia regis-jubae is found in the eastern islands, which are Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Images for kids
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In fruit; floral bracts have fallen off
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See also
In Spanish: Tabaiba amarga para niños
