Euphorbia serpens Kunth, 1817

Silva, Otávio Luis Marques Da, Cordeiro, Inês & Caruzo, Maria Beatriz Rossi, 2014, Synopsis of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, Phytotaxa 181 (4), pp. 193-215 : 207

20. Euphorbia serpens Kunth in Humboldt et al. (1817: 52) ( Fig. 6E–F ). Type:— VENEZUELA. Vargas, Distrito Federal, Crescit in umbrosis Cumanae prope Bordones et Punta Araya, A.J.A. Bonpland & F.W.H.A. von Humboldt 407 (holotype P!).

Distribution and habitat:— Euphorbia serpens is a worldwide tropical and subtropical weed. In the State of São Paulo the species is quite common (not as much so as E. prostrata and E. thymifolia ), mainly in disturbed areas.

Representative Specimen:— BRAZIL. São Paulo: Guarulhos , 03 April 2012, O.L.M. Silva 80 (SP) .

Taxonomic notes:— Euphorbia serpens differs from all other prostrate Euphorbia in the state of São Paulo by its complete absence of an indumentum, fused, whitish triangular intrapetiolar stipules, cyathial glands with petaloid appendages well developed and equal in size, presence of adventitious roots and a smooth seed coat.

Figures

FIGURE 6. A–C: Euphorbia prostrata. A. habit, B. branch with cyathia. C. cyathium. D–F: Euphorbia sciadophila. D: habit, E: branch with cyathia, F. cyathium. G–H: Euphorbia serpens. G. habit, H. branch with cyathia. Photos: O.L.M. Silva.