Euphorbia ophthalmica Persoon (1806: 13)

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 : 202

12. Euphorbia ophthalmica Persoon (1806: 13) ( Fig. 4D–E ). Type :— BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: July 1767, P. Commerson 238 (holotype P-JU!, fragment F).

Distribution and habitat:— Euphorbia ophthalmica is a worldwide tropical and subtropical weed. In the State of São Paulo the species is very common, mainly on disturbed areas.

Representative Specimen:— BRAZIL. São Paulo: Iperó , 19 December 2012, O.L.M. Silva et al. 59 (SP) .

Taxonomic notes:— Euphorbia ophthalmica is very similar to E. hirta due to the cyathia arranged in capitate synflorescences, but the species differ, mainly, on the position of them (see notes under Euphorbia hirta ).

Figures

FIGURE 4. A–C: Euphorbia insulana. A. habit, B. cyathium with female flower exserted, C. cyathium with fruit. D–E: Euphorbia ophthalmica. D. habit, E. branch with synflorescence.F–H: Euphorbia papillosa. F. habit, G. stem and leaves, H. cyathium. Photos:A–C: R. Riina, D–H: O.L.M. Silva.