Simplified view off

Euphorbia myrsinites

Planted in garden near Whanganui (self-sown seedlings nearby).<br>Photographer: Colin C. Ogle, Date taken: 04/03/2018, Licence: <a target='_blank' href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0'>CC BY-NC</a>. <a class='member-message' href='/nzpcn/why-join-nzpcn/' target='_blank'>Members can view a larger version of this image.</a>

Download PDF Comment on factsheetFind in plant lists

iNaturalist NZ View observations Biota of NZ Click here to view NZ Flora Click here to view Herbarium View AVH specimens Donate Support NZPCN

Common names

donkey-tail spurge, myrtle spurge, blue spurge

Biostatus

Exotic

Conservation status

Not applicable

Structural class

Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites

Simplified description

An evergreen perennial with sprawling stems 20–40 cm long. Dense, spirally arranged leaves are fleshy, pale glaucous (blue-green), 1–2 cm long.

Flower colours

Green

Detailed taxonomy

Genus

Euphorbia

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Authority

Euphorbia myrsinites L.

Endemic genus

Endemic family

Ecology

Year naturalised

2008

Origin

From Italy eastwards to the Balkans, Crimea and Turkey

Reason for introduction

Ornamental

Tolerances

Drought

Other information

Etymology

euphorbia: After Euphorbus, a Greek physician who served King Juba of Numidia in 12BC. Juba named a cactus to honour Euphorbus and later Linnaeus named the entire genus after the physician.

Search flora