| Etymology | Genus | After Euphorbus, a Greek physician to the King of Mauritana |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Variable leaves | |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Cyathophora heterophyla (L.) Raf., Poinsettia heterophylla (L.) Klotzsch & Garcke | |
| Common Names | Mexican Fireplant, Painted Euphorbia | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Central Amercia, Tropical and Subtropical of South America | |
Diagnostics:
A naturalised herb found in open grass or scrublands, it has generally larger leaves and flower clusters than other Euphorbia species observed here.
Interesting Facts:
The Mexican Fireplant used to be grown for medicinal purposes by Malay villages, and probably escaped from there (Turner, 1999)
Growing on an open scrubland.
Shiny glabrous upper surface of leaf.
Underside of leaf.
Flower and fruits.
References
Turner IM (1999) Euphorbia heterophylla and E. cyathophora (Euphorbiaceae) in the Malay Peninsula. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 51. 99-102.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2025-09-18
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