Narrative

Spurge Family (Euphorbiceae) is a family of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 species of shrubs, herbs, and trees. There are maybe 2,000 different species in the Euphorbia genus. A common characteristic of most members of this family is a white sticky sap (latex) that will appear whenever a cut is made. Included in this family is the Hevea genus which is the source for natural rubber. Many of the species in this family are stem succulents that can withstand considerable periods of low moisture. For a more detailed analysis of this family refer to the Encyclopedia of Succulents by Rowley. There are 372 species arranged in 46 genera growing in greater North America.

Taxonomy

References