UniFlora
UniFlora
EXPLORE · LEARN · CONSERVE
Home  /  Explore Plants  /  Euphorbiaceae  /  Euphorbia hirta
HerbWildAnnualMedicinal

Euphorbia hirta L.

Dhodal · Lal dodhak
Synonym: Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp

No photograph on file for this species yet. Contributors can submit one.

Description

Euphorbia hirta is an annual herbaceous plant, usually 20–60 cm tall, with a prostrate to ascending growth habit and a highly branched stem system. The stem is cylindrical, reddish-green, densely covered with long hairs, and produces white milky latex when damaged. Leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, usually 1–5 cm long, with serrated margins, an asymmetric base, and a hairy surface. A characteristic reddish-purple blotch is often present along the central vein of the leaf. Flowers are small, unisexual, and arranged in dense axillary clusters resembling small rounded heads. The inflorescences are cyathia typical of Euphorbia, containing highly reduced male and female flowers surrounded by glandular structures. Fruits are small, hairy, three-lobed capsules that split at maturity and contain three angular seeds.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative
Prostrate or ascending hairy herb. Opposite leaves with serrated margins. Dense hairs on stems and leaves. Milky latex present.
Floral
Small axillary cyathia. Dense rounded flower clusters. Reduced unisexual flowers.
Fruit & Seed
Hairy three-lobed capsule. Three-seeded fruit.

Distribution

Native range: Native to Tropical Americas. Now widely naturalized throughout Tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Islands.

In Pakistan: Commonly found throughout Pakistan. Frequently occurring in Agricultural fields, Roadsides, Gardens, Waste places.

Phenology

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Fruiting
Flowering: Throughout the year in tropical climates Fruiting: Throughout the growing season

Ethnobotany & Uses

Medicinal Importance
Euphorbia hirta is one of the most important medicinal Euphorbiaceae species. Leaves and Aerial Parts traditionally used for Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Respiratory disorders, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Skin diseases. Reported biological activities include Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic potential. Major phytochemical groups Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids, Phenolic compounds.
Agricultural Importance
Common tropical weed. Rapid growth and seed production allow colonization of disturbed habitats.
Ecological Importance
Provides nectar resources for small insects. Important component of ruderal vegetation. Toxicity the latex may cause Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Allergic responses.
UniFlora AI Assistant
Ask about Dhodal

Hello! I'm UniFlora AI. Ask me anything about Dhodal (*Euphorbia hirta*) — identification tips, flowering season, uses, campus locations, or taxonomy.

Powered by UniFlora knowledge base.

Where it grows on campus

This species is on the campus floristic list but was not pinned during the GPS mapping survey, so it has no map records yet.

Taxonomic Notes

Euphorbia hirta was historically placed in the genus Chamaesyce based on its cyathium and growth characters. Modern phylogenetic studies have merged Chamaesyce into Euphorbia.