Euphorbia serpens Kunth
Detail
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Botanical Name
- Euphorbia serpens Kunth
- Common Name
- Roundleaf Sandmat
- Synonym(s)
- Chamaesyce serpens (Kunth) Small
- Flora of Virginia Name/Status
- Not in Flora of Virginia, discovered after its publication.
- Comments
- Reported new to Virginia in November 2024 by Nelson DeBarros. Additional records posted to iNaturalist suggest the species may be more widespread and overlooked, no doubt because of its similarity to the ubiquitous Euphorbia maculata. Euphorba serpens is native to the south-central and lower southeastern U.S., Mexico, West Indies, Bahamas, Central America, and South America. It is widely introduced elsewhere in the world, including the eastern U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. According to John Hayden, a good character that does not appear in most keys is the species' frequent rooting at the nodes, a habitat exhibited by very few species in section Anisophyllum (former Chamaesyce). Even if adventitious roots are not present, one would likely see at least swellings of root primordia on the stem if a plant is turned upside down.
- Habitat
- In our area, this species is apparently a weed of cultivated ground, paving cracks, and other highly ruderal habitats. Currently documented only from Fairfax County but likely more widespread.
- Native Status
- Introduced
To save this map, right-click (control-click for Mac users) on the map and choose "Save Image As...".