Euphorbia canariensis
Species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Euphorbia canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island spurge, Hercules club[7] or in Spanish cardón,[8]: 206 is a succulent member of the genus Euphorbia and family Euphorbiaceae[3] endemic to the Canary Islands.[9] It is the plant symbol of the island of Gran Canaria.[10]
| Euphorbia canariensis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Canary Island spurge close to the Mirador de Archipenque at Los Gigantes | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. canariensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia canariensis | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Euphorbia canariensis Forssk. | |
Description
The Canary Island spurge is a succulent shrub, growing to between 3 and 4 metres (10 and 13 ft) high. It is made up of fleshy quadrangular or pentagonal trunks that look like cacti. It has no leaves, instead bearing spines 5 to 14 millimetres (0.20 to 0.55 in) long. It produces reddish-green flowers.[9] It is hardy to −2 °C (28 °F).[11]
The latex, which contains diterpenes[12] is poisonous.[13]
Spines on a young shoot
Flowers
Fruit
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Distribution
The species is found on the narrow coastal belt, from sea level to 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) in the Canary Islands.[13]
