Euphorbia leuconeura

Euphorbia leuconeura is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.[2] Its common name is Madagascar jewel. It is endemic to Madagascar where its natural habitat is forest undergrowth in rocky areas. It can grow to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft), as a branching small tree, and propagates by shooting its seeds several feet into the air. It is threatened by habitat loss.[1]

Euphorbia leuconeura
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. leuconeura
Binomial name
Euphorbia leuconeura
Synonyms

Euphorbia lathyrus (lapsus)

Taxonomy

The specific epithet leuconeura is derived from the two ancient greek words λευκός (leukós), meaning "bright, white", and νευρά (neurá), meaning "nerve".[3][4]

Cultivation

The Madagascar Jewel is grown as a houseplant for its attractive foliage: dark green leaves, with white veins when young. Unlike many succulents, E. leuconeura is less susceptible to overwatering. It grows best in partial shade but tolerates full shade and is relatively easy to care for providing it is not exposed to cold drafts.

Toxicity

When damaged, the plant secretes a white fluid which is toxic, causes severe skin irritation and may be a tumor promoting agent.[5]

Close-up on the white veins

References
  1. Haevermans, T. (2004). "Euphorbia leuconeura". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T44372A10896588. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T44372A10896588.en.
  2. "Euphorbia leuconeura Boiss". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  3. Bailly, Anatole (1981-01-01). Abrégé du dictionnaire grec français. Paris: Hachette. ISBN 978-2010035289. OCLC 461974285.
  4. Bailly, Anatole. "Greek-french dictionary online". www.tabularium.be. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  5. Vogg, G.; Mattes, E.; Polack, A.; Sandermann Jr., H. (September 1999). "Tumor promoters in commercial indoor-plant cultivars of the Euphorbiaceae". Environmental Health Perspectives. 107 (9): 753–756. doi:10.1289/ehp.99107753. PMC 1566443. PMID 10464076.


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