Euphorbia heterophylla L.

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Photo: Bart Wursten
Twentydales Ext, Epworth, Harare

Synonyms:	Euphorbia geniculata Ortega Poinsettia heterophylla (L.) Klotzsch & Garcke
Common names:	Mexican fire plant (E) Painted Euphorbia (E)
Frequency:	Common
Status:	Introduced
Description:	Erect annual, up to 60 cm.
Notes:	Carter & Leach in FZ 9(5): 363 remark that in Africa this species shows very little of the irregularity in leaf shape which gives this species its name. This species, together with E. pulcherrima and E. cyathophora belong to section Poinsettia The leaves of this species are often attacked by an orange rust Melampsora euphorbiae (Schub.) Cast.
Derivation of specific name:	With differently-shaped leaves (see note below)
Habitat:	Disturbed places
Altitude range: (metres)	1500 m
Flowering time:	Nov - Mar
Worldwide distribution:	Pantropical weed, originating from C America.
Zimbabwe distribution:	NWCES
Growth form:	A
Insects (whose larvae eat this species):
Literature:	Drummond, R.B. (1984). Arable Weeds of Zimbabwe Agricultural Research Trust of Zimbabwe, Harare Pages 48 - 49. (Includes a picture).
Endemic status:
Red data list status:
Spot characters:	Display spot characters for this species
Content last updated:	Monday 25 May 2009

Flora of Mozambique: Euphorbia heterophylla
Biodiversity Explorer (Biodiversity of southern Africa): Euphorbia heterophylla
ePIC (electronic Plant Information Center): Euphorbia heterophylla
Flora Zambesiaca web site: Euphorbia heterophylla
Google: Web - Images - Scholar
GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network) taxonomy for plants report for Euphorbia heterophylla
IPNI (International Plant Names Index): Euphorbia heterophylla
Kew Herbarium catalogue: Euphorbia heterophylla
West African Plants database: Euphorbia heterophylla