Euphorbiaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spurge family |
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Euphorbiaceae
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The Spurge family (scientific name: Euphorbiaceae) is a very large group of flowering plants. It includes about 300 different types of plants, called genera, and around 7,500 species! Most of these plants are herbs, which means they have soft stems. But in warmer places like the tropics, you can also find them as shrubs or even tall trees. The name Spurge comes from the Latin word espurge. This word means "to purge" or "to clean out," because some plants in this family were once used as a type of laxative (something that helps you go to the bathroom).
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Discover the Spurge Family
The Spurge family is known for its amazing variety. You can find these plants all over the world, especially in tropical and warm areas. They have adapted to many different environments, from dry deserts to lush rainforests.
What Makes Them Special?
Many plants in the Spurge family have a special milky sap. This sap is often white and can be sticky. It's important to know that this sap can sometimes be irritating to the skin or eyes, and it can be poisonous if eaten. This is a way the plants protect themselves from animals that might want to munch on them.
Unique Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Spurge plants can look very different from one another. Some are tiny and hard to see, while others are bright and colorful. Often, what looks like a single flower is actually a cluster of many small flowers. These clusters are called cyathia in some types of spurges. After flowering, they produce fruits that can be capsules or berries.
Different Types of Spurge Plants
The Spurge family is divided into smaller groups called subfamilies. Each subfamily has its own unique features.
- Acalyphoideae: This group includes many herbs and shrubs.
- Crotonoideae: You'll find many trees and shrubs here, like the famous candlenut tree.
- Euphorbioideae: This group contains the well-known Euphorbia plants, which include many succulents that look a lot like cacti!
Candlenut Tree: A Useful Member
The candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana) is a great example from the Spurge family. Its nuts are used in cooking in many parts of the world. They are also rich in oil, which was traditionally used to make candles, giving the tree its name.
Images for kids
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Euphorbia characias flowers
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Cyathia of Euphorbia baylissii
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Croton cultivar 'Petra'
See also
In Spanish: Euphorbiaceae para niños
