Scientific name: Euphorbia peplus L.

Common name: Petty spurge, Radium plant

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin:

Native of Europe.

Habit:

Annual herb with erect or ascending stems, growing to 40 cm.

Habitat:

Weed of tended areas, commonly found in gardens and cultivation.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems and leaves are hairless. Usually there is a main stem which is erect and a number of ascending lateral branches at the tip of each stem carry inflorescences. Leaves are pale green, alternate on the main stem and opposite on the fertile branches. Most leaves are an inverted oval shape (ie. obovate), 0.7-2.5 × 0.5-1.6 cm, with entire margins and petioles (leaf stalks) up to 3 mm long. Leaves at the tips of fertile branches are smaller 0.4-1.7 × 0.4-1.7 cm and more triangular in shape.

Flowers and fruit

Separate male and female flowers are grouped into cup-like inflorescences called cyathia a characteristic found uniquely in the Euphorbiaceae family. Individual cyathia are 1.2 mm long. Fruits are smooth, 2 × 2 mm. Seeds are 1.2 mm long, with longitudinal furrows.

Distinguishing characteristics:

A soft pale green herb up to 40 cm tall with small paired leaves. Plants must be handled carefully since the milky sap causes irritation to the skin.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Parsons, W.T. and Cuthbertson, E.G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.