Euphorbia lucida

Species category

Weed

Common name

shining spurge

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

  • Length 2–2.6 mm
  • Width 1.5–1.7 mm
  • Thickness 1.5–1.7 mm

Color

Gray

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is oblique at the base and sometimes covered with a caruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
.

Identification notes

Seeds have a well-defined circle at the apexApical:
The distal end of the fruit or seed away from the point of attachment or attachment scar.
(chalazaChalaza:
End of seed opposite the micropyle.
) and a well-defined rapheRaphe:
A seam or ridge found on seeds.
.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Valid name

Euphorbia lucida Waldst. & Kit.

Synonyms

Galarhoeus lucidus (Waldst. & Kit.) Rydb.
Tithymalus lucidus (Waldst. & Kit.) Klotzsch & Garcke

 Euphorbia lucida.  Seeds with an oblique hilum at the base that is sometimes covered with a caruncle. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Euphorbia lucida. Seeds with an oblique hilum at the base that is sometimes covered with a caruncle. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.