Euphorbia cotinifolia

Euphorbia cotinifolia is a broadleaf red shrub native to Mexico and South America. Treated as a shrub, it reaches 10 to 15 ft (3.0 to 4.6 m) but can be grown as a tree reaching 30 ft (9.1 m). Small white flowers with creamy bracts bloom at the ends of the branches in summer. The purplish stems, when broken, exude a sap that is a skin irritant.[1]

Smoketree spurge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. cotinifolia
Binomial name
Euphorbia cotinifolia
foliage colours
fruit

The scientific name of the plant comes from the words cotinus meaning "smoketree" and folia meaning "leaf".[2] Common names for the species include smoketree spurge, tropical smoke bush, Caribbean copper plant,[3] and Mexican shrubby spurge.[4]

Toxicity

The species is well known in Central America, where its poisonous sap has been used both as a medicine and a poison. As a medicine, it has been used in folk remedies as both an emetic and cathartic substance. Fishermen have been known to add the sap to water in fishing grounds to stun fish and force them to float to the top. It was also historically used as a poison for arrowheads by the natives of Curaçao.[5]

The sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with human skin or eyes.[6] If ingested, the sap can cause severe damage to internal organs.[5]

Gardening

Euphorbia cotinifolia is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and in pots, due to its colourful and distinctive foliage. It prefers a site with well-drained soil and full sun. While relatively hardy, it does not react well to wind, salt, or frost.[7]

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References
  1. Nelson, Lewis S.; Shih, Richard D.; Balick, Michael J. (2007). Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants (2nd ed.). Springer. p. 162. ISBN 9780387338170.
  2. "Euphorbia cotinifolia". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  3. "Euphorbia cotinifolia (Tropical smoke bush, Caribbean copper plant) - Fine Gardening Plant Guide". Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  4. "Euphorbia cotinifolia". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  5. Clay, Horace F.; Hubbard, James C.; Golt, Rick (1987). Tropical Shrubs Paper. University of Hawaii Press. p. 72. ISBN 9780824811280.
  6. Nelson, Lewis S.; Shih, Richard D.; Balick, Michael J. (2007). Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants (2nd ed.). Springer. p. 162. ISBN 9780387338170.
  7. Weissich, Paul R.; Rauch, Fred D. (2000). Plants for tropical landscapes: a gardener's guide. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-8248-2034-3.
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