Spurges is a plural noun that refers to a group of plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, which is also commonly known as the spurge family. These plants are characterized by their diverse forms, which can include herbs, shrubs, or trees, and their adaptation to various habitats worldwide.
The spurge family is recognizable by their distinctive flowers, which are typically small and lack petals but have colorful bracts surrounding them. The leaves of spurges are usually simple, alternate, and can have various shapes and arrangements.
One of the most common characteristics of spurge plants is the presence of milky sap or latex in their stems, leaves, and flowers. This sap can be toxic or irritating to humans and animals, serving as a protective mechanism against herbivores. Some spurges have even been historically used for their medicinal properties, while others are cultivated for their horticultural beauty.
Many species of spurges are weeds that can quickly colonize bare or disturbed areas, making them of interest to ecologists in the process of ecological succession. However, some spurges are commercially cultivated for economic purposes, such as the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which is a major source of natural rubber.
Overall, spurges encompass a diverse group of plants characterized by their unique floral structures, latex-containing sap, and adaptability to different environments.
