Class
Order
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Description
Monoecious or dioecious herbs, shrubs or trees, sometimes with milky latex. Lvs alternate or opposite, simple or compound, usually stipulate. Infl. a spike, raceme, panicle, cyme, or cluster, or fls solitary (in fls reduced and clustered in a cup-shaped involucre to form the flower-like cyathium). Fls unisexual. Calyx variously lobed, much reduced or 0; petals usually 0, sometimes present and rarely united. ♂ fls often with a rudimentary ovary; stamens 1–1000; filaments free or connate; anthers 2–(4)-locular, erect or inflexed in bud. ♀ fls without staminodes; ovary usually 3-locular; styles free or united; ovules 1–2 per cell, pendulous; disc often present in both sexes. Fr. usually a 3-celled capsule (regma), or rarely a drupe. Seeds often with conspicuous caruncle; endosperm copious; embryo straight.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Indigenous (Endemic) | 2 |
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 20 |
| Exotic: Casual | 16 |
| Total | 38 |
Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
