Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae Juss. recent molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially revised the circumscription of the family, resulting in the transfer of several former subfamilies to Phyllanthaceae, Putranjivaceae, Peraceae, and Pandaceae. In its current circumscription, Euphorbiaceae comprises approximately 220–230 genera and 6,100–6,300 species, distributed worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Members are characterized by the frequent presence of milky or colored latex, unisexual flowers, superior ovaries, and schizocarpic fruits.
Key characteristics
- Herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, or succulents
- Milky or colored latex commonly present
- Leaves simple, usually stipulate
- Flowers small, unisexual, often apetalous
- Euphorbia with characteristic cyathium
- Superior tricarpellate ovary
- Fruit a three-lobed schizocarpic capsule
Distribution
Euphorbiaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, occurring throughout tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. The greatest diversity is found in South America, tropical Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Members occupy forests, savannas, deserts, grasslands, wetlands, coastal habitats, and disturbed environments, demonstrating exceptional ecological adaptability. The family is widely distributed throughout the Himalayan foothills, Upper and Plains, Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, Lower Indus Plain, western dry mountains, Plateau, riverine forests, and the deserts of Cholistan, Thal, and Thar. Species occur in cultivated fields, wastelands, rocky slopes, sandy plains, forests, scrublands, and urban habitats. Euphorbia, Acalypha, Chrozophora, Ricinus, and Croton are among the most frequently encountered genera.