Euphorbia humifusa

Euphorbia humifusa
(c) 小铖/Smalltown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 小铖/Smalltown

At a glance

Lifecycle
Annual
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain but since it is naturalized in C. Europe it is very likely that it can be grown here. Other members of this genus prefer a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c.

Edible uses

Young shoots - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails and I would have to be very desperate to eat it even then[K].

Medicinal uses

Anthelmintic, vulnerary. The whole plant is depurative, diuretic and styptic.

Habitat

Stony or disturbed ground.

Native range

E. Asia. Naturalized in S. and C. Europe.

Same genus