Euphorbia humifusa
| Euphorbia humifusa | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Euphorbia humifusa
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c.
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[1].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[1]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[1].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[2].
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[3].
Range: E. Asia. Naturalized in S. and C. Europe.
Habitat: Stony or disturbed ground[4].
Edibility: Young shoots - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails[5][6] and I would have to be very desperate to eat it even then[K].
Medicinal: Anthelmintic, vulnerary[7].
The whole plant is depurative, diuretic and styptic[8][9]. A decoction is used in the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, enteritis, poisonous snake bites and traumatic bleeding[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Monoecious
Known Hazards: The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Carruthers, S. Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading, 1986.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Read, Bernard. Famine Foods Listed in the Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao. Taipei Southern Materials Centre, 1977.
- ↑ Stuart, George. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei Southern Materials Centre.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.