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Euphorbia myrsinites

Species category

Weed

Common name

myrtle 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

Cylindrical

Size

  • Length 4 mm
  • Width 2 mm
  • Thickness 2 mm

Color

Yellowish-gray

Texture

Large ridges that are mostly longitudinally oriented.

Other structures

Large conspicuous rapheRaphe:
A seam or ridge found on seeds.
 and caruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.

Identification notes

CaruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
 is very large by comparison. RapheRaphe:
A seam or ridge found on seeds.
 is made of two adjacent ridges which are also very large. Surface texture is extremely rough with longitudinally oriented ridges.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Colorado, Utah

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Valid name

Euphorbia myrsinites L.

Synonyms

Tithymalus myrsinites (L.) Hill

Euphorbia myrsinites. Seeds with large ridges that are mostly longitudinally oriented, and a large caruncle. 
Euphorbia myrsinites. Seeds with large ridges that are mostly longitudinally oriented, and a large caruncle.