Euphorbia nocens, formerly a variety of euphorbia hirta (euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbia hirta is a widespread species distributed throughout tropical andsubtropical regions of the world. Four varieties of this taxon have been recognized, althoughmany authors have chosen to treat one of these, Euphorbia hirta var. procumbens, at therank of species as E. ophthalmica. In this ar...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Victor W. Steinmann
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2003
País:México
Institución:Instituto de Ecología
Repositorio:Redalyc-INECOL
OAI Identifier:oai:redalyc.org:57406405
Acceso en línea:https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=57406405
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biología
Mexico
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia nocens
subgenus Chamaesyce
Descripción
Sumario:Euphorbia hirta is a widespread species distributed throughout tropical andsubtropical regions of the world. Four varieties of this taxon have been recognized, althoughmany authors have chosen to treat one of these, Euphorbia hirta var. procumbens, at therank of species as E. ophthalmica. In this article it is argued that the varieties of Euphorbiahirta should indeed be treated as species. For this reason, Euphorbia hirta var. nocens iselevated to Euphorbia nocens. This species differs from E. hirta in possessing larger, darkercoloredseeds and glomerules of cyathia that are restricted to the ends of the primarybranches. It is endemic to Mexico and occurs at elevations of 1500 to 2400 m, primarilyin pine-oak forest and resulting secondary vegetation. A morphological description ofEuphorbia nocens is given, as well as a list of specimens examined. A key to separate thisspecies from E. hirta, E. lineata, and E. ophthalmica is also provided.