Euphorbia neriifolia (Indian spurge tree)
Datasheet Types: Tree, Invasive species, Host plant
Abstract
This datasheet on Euphorbia neriifolia covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.
Identity
- Preferred Scientific Name
- Euphorbia neriifolia L.
- Preferred Common Name
- Indian spurge tree
- Other Scientific Names
- Elaeophorbia neriifolia (L.) A.Chev.
- Euphorbia edulis Lour.
- Euphorbia ligularia Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham.
- Tithymalus edulis (Lour.) H.Karst.
- International Common Names
- Englishfleshy spurgehedge euphorbiamilk spurgeoleander spurge
- Chinesejin gang zuan
- Local Common Names
- Cubalechero
- Dominican Republicantenapararrayo
- El Salvadortuna francesa
- Indiasnuhithuar
- Indonesiasudu-sudususudususuru
- Malaysiasesudu
- Philippinesbaitsorog-sorogsoro-soro
- Thailandsom chao
Pictures
Flowering habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Flowering habit. Plaza La Glorieta, La Palma, Spain. April 2015.
©Frank Vincentz/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Flowering habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Flowering habit. Plaza La Glorieta, La Palma, Spain. April 2015.
©Frank Vincentz/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Habit. Plaza La Glorieta, La Palma, Spain. April 2015.
©Frank Vincentz/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Flowering habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Flowering habit. Maharashtra, India. February 2009.
©Dinesh Valke/via Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
Flowers
Euphorbia neriifolia; Flowers. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra, India. February 2012.
©Dinesh Valke/via Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
Flowers
Euphorbia neriifolia; Inflorescence. Yaiza, Lanzarote, Spain. March 2011.
©Frank Vincentz/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Young plant
Euphorbia neriifolia; Leafless plant. Museo Lagomar, Nazaret, Lanzarote, Spain. March 2011.
©Frank Vincentz/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Habit. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. March 2009.
©Piotrus/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0
Habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Grown in garden. Kahului, Maui, Hawaii.August 2009.
©Forest and Kim Starr/via Starr Environmental - CC BY 2.0
Habit
Euphorbia neriifolia; Habit. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra, India. February 2012.
©Dinesh Valke/via Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
Stems
Euphorbia neriifolia; Woody stems. Sativali, Virar, Maharashtra. February 2013.
©Dinesh Valke/via Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
Summary of Invasiveness
Euphorbia neriifolia is a cactus-like tree or shrub native to Asia that is often cultivated as an ornamental and hedge plant and also for its medicinal and ethnobotanical uses. This species is drought tolerant with adaptations to grow in water-stressed habitats. It is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and also listed as invasive in Cuba and Japan but no information about its ecological or economic impacts is provided.
Taxonomic Tree
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The family Euphorbiaceae comprises about 218 genera and 6745 species with a Pantropical distribution (Stevens, 2019). Members of this family are mostly herbs, shrubs and trees, sometimes succulent and cactus-like plants with xerophytic adaptations (Esser, 2009; Stevens, 2019). For a long time, the Euphorbiaceae was considered a morphologically well-defined family, based mostly on their unisexual flowers and the typical schizocarpous fruits. However, recent molecular studies have resulted in the recognition of several, mostly small families (i.e. Peraceae, Phyllanthaceae, Picrodendraceae, Putranjivaceae). The genus Euphorbia is one of the largest genera of angiosperms with about 2420 species that are renowned for their remarkably diversity of growth forms (Horn et al., 2012; Stevens, 2019).
Plant Type
Perennial
Seed / spore propagated
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Vegetatively propagated
Woody
Description
The following description is from Flora of China Editorial Committee (2020):
Erect, branched, prickly, succulent shrub or small tree looking somewhat like a cactus, but with large, persistent leaves on younger parts of the plant, 3-5(-8) m tall, glabrous except for cyathia. Stems 6-15 cm thick, green, with 5 spiral ranks of tubercles, ascending, branching from upper parts. Leaves alternate, apically clustered, persistent, succulent; spine shields small, stipules prickle-like, 2-3 mm; petiole short, 2-4 mm; leaf blade obovate or obovate-oblong to spoon-shaped, 4.5-12 × 1.3-3.8 cm, fleshy, base attenuate, margin entire, apex obtuse, apiculate; veins inconspicuous. Cyathia in subterminal cymes, peduncle 3 mm; cyathophylls membranous, caducous; involucre campanulate, 4 × 5-6 mm, lobes 5, rounded; glands 5, succulent, thick and entire. Fruit is a capsule.
Distribution
Euphorbia neriifolia is native to Asia, including Iran, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Vietnam. It has been introduced and can be found in cultivation and naturalized in Southern Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan, Central America and the Caribbean (Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; Davidse et al., 2020; Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2020; Govaerts, 2020; PROSEA, 2020; USDA-ARS, 2020).
Distribution Map
Distribution Table
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Euphorbia neriifolia spreads by seeds and vegetatively by stem and root fragments. In cultivation, it is propagated from cuttings (PFAF, 2020; Useful Tropical Plants, 2020).
Pathway Causes
| Pathway cause | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape from confinement or garden escape (pathway cause) | Escaped from cultivation and naturalized | Yes | Yes | |
| Garden waste disposal (pathway cause) | Seeds, stem fragments, cuttings | Yes | Yes | |
| Hedges and windbreaks (pathway cause) | Hedges and live fences | Yes | Yes | |
| Horticulture (pathway cause) | Widely used as an ornamental | Yes | Yes | |
| Internet sales (pathway cause) | Plants and seeds sold online | Yes | Yes | |
| Medicinal use (pathway cause) | Used in traditional medicine | Yes | Yes | |
| Nursery trade (pathway cause) | Widely used as an ornamental | Yes | Yes | |
| Ornamental purposes (pathway cause) | Widely used as an ornamental | Yes | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
| Pathway vector | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debris and waste associated with human activities (pathway vector) | Seeds, stem fragments, cuttings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mail (pathway vector) | Plants and seeds sold online | Yes | Yes |
Habitat
Euphorbia neriifolia can be found growing in dry thickets, woodlands, lowlands and rocky grounds. It is often planted in gardens, hedges and along walls in warmer dry climates (Burger and Huft, 1995; Mali and Panchal, 2017; PROSEA, 2020).
Habitat List
| Category | Sub category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Arid regions | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Arid regions | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Arid regions | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Biology and Ecology
Genetics
The haploid chromosome number reported for E. neriifolia is n=30 (Krishnappa and Reshme, 1982).
Physiology and phenology
In India, flowers and fruits occur from December to May (Mali and Panchal, 2017). In China, flowers are produced from June to September (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2020).
Longevity
Euphorbia neriifolia is a perennial succulent shrub or small tree (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2020; Useful Tropical Plants, 2020).
Environmental requirements
Euphorbia neriifolia grows best in warmer dry climates. It prefers open areas with full sunlight, but it tolerates partial shade. This species is adapted to grow in a wide range of soil types including sandy and loamy soils and rocky substrates with pH in the range of 4-8. It has a high tolerance to drought (PFAF, 2020; Useful Tropical Plants, 2020).
Climate
| Climate type | Description | Preferred or tolerated | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | Preferred | |
| Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) | Preferred | |
| Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year | Preferred |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
| Latitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude lower (m) | Altitude upper (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 15 |
Rainfall Regime
Summer
Winter
Bimodal
Uniform
Soil Tolerances
Soil texture > light
Soil texture > medium
Soil reaction > acid
Soil reaction > alkaline
Soil reaction > neutral
Soil drainage > free
List of Pests
Impact Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cultural/amenity | Positive |
| Economic/livelihood | Positive |
| Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
| Human health | Positive and negative |
Impact: Environmental
Currently, E. neriifolia is listed as invasive in Cuba and Japan but no information about its ecological or economic impacts is provided (Mito and Uesugi, 2004; Oviedo Prieto and González-Oliva, 2015).
Impact: Social
Euphorbia neriifolia produces milky latex that is poisonous and may produce a severe dermatitis and blistering on susceptible individuals (Useful Tropical Plants, 2020).
Risk and Impact Factors
Invasiveness
Proved invasive outside its native range
Has a broad native range
Abundant in its native range
Highly adaptable to different environments
Is a habitat generalist
Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
Pioneering in disturbed areas
Tolerant of shade
Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
Long lived
Fast growing
Reproduces asexually
Impact outcomes
Negatively impacts human health
Negatively impacts animal health
Impact mechanisms
Poisoning
Rapid growth
Rooting
Produces spines, thorns or burrs
Likelihood of entry/control
Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
Euphorbia neriifolia is planted as an ornamental and hedge plant. It is also grown as a living fence. All parts of the plant are widely used in traditional medicine across Asia and Central America. In India, this species is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used as a source of food and materials. The leaves are eaten raw or boiled with syrup. The leaves and slices of the branches are also made into sweetmeats. The leaves and roots have been used as a fish poison. The wood is used for small objects such as knife handles (Mali and Panchal, 2017; PROSEA, 2020; Useful Tropical Plants, 2020).
Uses List
General > Botanical garden/zoo
Environmental > Amenity
Environmental > Boundary, barrier or support
Medicinal, pharmaceutical > Traditional/folklore
Ornamental > garden plant
Human food and beverage > Vegetable
Materials > Wood/timber
Wood Products
Woodware > Tool handles
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References
Acevedo-Rodríguez, P., Strong, M. T., 2012. Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies.Washington, DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution. 1192 pp. http://botany.si.edu/Antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm
Burger, W., Huft, M., 1995. Flora Costaricensis. Family No. 113 Euphorbiaceae. In: Fieldiana, Botany, No. 36 v + 169 pp.
Davidse, G, Sousa Sánchez, M, Knapp, S, Chiang Cabrera, F, 2020. Surianaceae a Icacinaceae. In: Flora Mesoamericana, [ed. by Davidse, G, Sousa Sánchez, M, Knapp, SKnapp, S, Chiang Cabrera, F]. St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden.
Esser HJ, 2009. Neotropical Euphorbiaceae. Richmond, UK: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. www.kew.org/neotropikey
Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2020. Flora of China. In: Flora of China. St. Louis, Missouri and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden and Harvard University Herbaria. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=2
Govaerts, R, 2020. World Checklist of Euphorbiaceae. Richmond, UK: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/
Horn, J. W., Ee, B. W. van, Morawetz, J. J., Riina, R., Steinmann, V. W., Berry, P. E., Wurdack, K. J., 2012. Phylogenetics and the evolution of major structural characters in the giant genus Euphorbia L. (Euphorbiaceae).Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 63(2) 305-326.
India Biodiversity Portal, 2020. Online Portal of India Biodiversity. In: Online Portal of India Biodiversity. http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/list
Krishnappa DG, Reshme RV, 1982. IOPB chromosome number reports LXXVI. Taxon, 31597-598.
Mali, P. Y., Panchal, S. S., 2017. Euphorbia neriifolia L.: review on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 10(5) 408-417.
Mito, T, Uesugi, T, 2004. Invasive alien species in Japan: the status quo and new regulations for prevention of their adverse effects. In: Global Environmental Research, 8(2) 171-191.
Oviedo Prieto, R., González-Oliva, L., 2015. National list of invasive and potentially invasive plants in the Republic of Cuba - 2015. (Lista nacional de plantas invasoras y potencialmente invasoras en la República de Cuba - 2015). Bissea: Boletín sobre Conservación de Plantas del Jardín Botánico Nacional de Cuba., 9Special Issue No. 21-88. http://repositorio.geotech.cu/jspui/bitstream/1234/1476/4/Lista%20nacional%20de%20plantas%20invasoras%20de%20Cuba-2015.pdf
PFAF, 2020. Plants For A Future Database. In: Plants For A Future Database. Dawlish, UK: Plants For A Future. http://www.pfaf.org/USER/Default.aspx
PROSEA, 2020. Plant Resources of South-East Asia. Bogor, Indonesia: PROSEA Foundation. http://proseanet.org/prosea/e-prosea.php
Randall, R. P., 2017. A global compendium of weeds, Ed.3 [ed. by Randall, R. P.]. Perth, Australia: R. P. Randall. iii + 3653 pp.
Stevens, P. F., 2019. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14. In: Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14.St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
USDA-ARS, 2020. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. In: Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysimple.aspx
Useful Tropical Plants, 2020. Useful tropical plants database. In: Useful tropical plants database. K Fern. http://tropical.theferns.info/
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Published online: 19 April 2020
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