Warty spurge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Warty spurge |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Euphorbia
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| Species: |
spathulata
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| Synonyms | |
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Euphorbia alta |
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Euphorbia spathulata, often called warty spurge or roughpod spurge, is a fascinating plant. It's part of a large plant group known as spurges. You can find this plant growing across the Americas, thriving in many different natural areas.
What It Looks Like
Euphorbia spathulata is an annual herb. This means it completes its entire life cycle, from seed to flower to seed, within just one year. It usually doesn't grow taller than half a meter (about 20 inches).
Its leaves are shaped like ovals and are typically 1 to 3 centimeters long (about half an inch to an inch). The upper part of its stem can be a bright red or a duller red color. It's also smooth, meaning it doesn't have any hairs.
At the very tips of the stems, you'll find small groups of tiny flowers. These flowers are special because they have glands, which are small organs that can produce substances.
Fruit and Seeds
After the flowers, the plant produces a small, rounded green fruit. This fruit is only a few millimeters wide. It has clear bumps on its surface, which is why one of its common names is "warty spurge."
Inside these bumpy fruits, you'll discover light brown seeds. These seeds have a cool, net-like pattern on them.
Where It Grows
This plant is native to the Americas. This means it naturally grows in North, Central, and South America. It is very widespread and can be found in many different habitats.
It can grow in various places, from open fields to forests. Its ability to adapt helps it spread across such a large area.
