Euphorbia hirta L.
| Etymology | Genus | After Euphorbus, a Greek physician to the King of Mauritana |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Hairy | |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp | |
| Common Names | Hairy Spurge, Asthma Plant | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical America | |
Diagnostics:
Euphorbia hirta is a very common prostrate herb in lawns and scrublands. The oppositely arranged leaves are somehwhat rhomboid and serrated. Between each pair of leaves is a dense cluster of tiny flowers and fruits.
Interesting Facts:
The Hairy Spurge has numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-asthmatic, anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, and anti-bacterial properties (Kumar et al., 2010).
The Hairy Spurge, a ommon weed of lawns.
Each pair of leaves has a cluster of flowers and fruits.
The leaf is serrated and somewhat rhomboid.
Flower and fruit clusters.
References
Kumar S, R Malhotra & D Kumar. (2010) Euphorbia hirta: Its chemistry, traditional and medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities. Pharmacognsy Review, 4: 58-61.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-06-21 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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