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Euphorbia stygiana
Euphorbia stygiana (Portuguese: Trovisco-macho) is a species of evergreen shrub in the family Euphorbiaceae, endemic to several islands of the Azores. It has a critically endangered subspecies (subsp. santamariae) with only 20 known remaining mature individuals in the wild. DescriptionEuphorbia stygiana is an evergreen shrub with low but robust serpentine, green stems; white-veined, thick, leathery blue-dark green leaves and large yellow-green flower heads which are strongly honey-scented in spring and summer (from May to June). It can grow up to about 10 metres (33 ft) tall in its native environment but is often 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) tall and spreads to about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) wide.[2][3][4] The leaves are 7–14 by 1.5–3.5 centimetres (2.76 in–5.51 in × 0.59 in–1.38 in) long, slightly pubescent on the bottom side. The fruits are 5–7 millimetres (0.20–0.28 in), striated, subglobous and warty.[5] During cold winters (especially outside its native range) these leaves may turn to a brilliant crimson colour.[6] It is hardy down to USDA Zone 8b: to −9.4 °C (15.1 °F) and can be propagated through stem cuttings.[4] Distribution and habitatEuphorbia stygiana is endemic to all Azorean islands except Graciosa where it inhabits the extremely humid highlands of the archipelago from 300 to 1,100 metres (980 to 3,610 ft) in altitude, especially on Pico Island, in sheltered places such as ravines, craters and dense laurel-Juniperus forests.[5][7][8] Subspecies There are two known subspecies:
ThreatsThe species is mainly threatened by agricultural development, change in land use, and invasive species and the subsequent increase in competition.[12] ToxicityLike other members of the Euphorbia genus, E. stygiana has a milky white sap that may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction when in contact with the skin or eye.[4] It is toxic if eaten.[2] Gallery
References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Euphorbia stygiana.
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