More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Flowers of Zihuatanejo
Painted Spurge
Euphorbia heterophylla
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Nances, Willows, and Allies (Order Malpighiales)
-Spurge Family (Family Euphorbiaceae)
-Subfamily Euphorbioideae
-Tribe Euphorbieae
-Subtribe Euphorbiinae
-Spurges (Genus Euphorbia)
-Subgenus Chamaesyce
-Sandmats (Section Anisophyllum)
-Painted Spurge (Euphorbia heterophylla)
Painted Spurge (Euphorbia heterophylla) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species. This plant often grows in disturbed soil and is used as an ornamental in gardens and parks. It has an upright stem that is marked with red and green stripes and long, narrow leaves. Its flowers are small and yellow and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Description
• Euphorbia heterophylla, commonly known as painted spurge, Mexican fireplant, or wild poinsettia, is an annual herb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It has upright, branching stems and leaves that vary considerably in shape, from narrow and lance-shaped to broad and irregularly lobed. The upper leaves near the flowers often develop bright red, orange, or cream-coloured markings. Its small flowers are grouped in distinctive structures called cyathia. When damaged, the plant releases a milky latex that can irritate the skin and eyes.
Range
• Euphorbia heterophylla is native to tropical and subtropical America, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It has become naturalized in many warm regions worldwide, where it can be an agricultural weed. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• Painted spurge grows in sunny, warm environments, including roadsides, agricultural fields, gardens, pastures, forest margins, and other disturbed areas. It thrives in open ground and a variety of soil types, particularly during the rainy season. Its rapid growth and prolific seed production allow it to colonize disturbed sites and compete with cultivated plants.