🌍 Euphorbia lathyris 🌱, also known as Caper Spurge, Paper Spurge, Mole Plant, Gopher Plant, or Gopher Spurge, is an attractive ornamental biennial 🌿. This plant can grow up to 1–1.5 meters (3–5 ft) 🌳 and is notable for the milky white latex sap 🥛 it exudes when cut, which acts as a deterrent for pests and animals. Its lance-shaped leaves 🍃 feature prominent milky midveins. The flowers are small, yellow-green to green 🌼, and although inconspicuous, they add a subtle charm to the plant.
Origin & Habitat 🌍
Native to southern Europe 🇫🇷🇮🇹🇬🇷, South Africa 🌍, and Southwest Asia 🌏, Caper Spurge thrives in partial shade to full sun 🌞 and is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 🌱. While toxic to humans and most animals if ingested, goats appear to tolerate the plant, passing the toxin through milk. The plant has naturalized in many regions outside its native range and is sometimes considered invasive.
Uses & Benefits 🌟
Pest control 🐾: Traditionally used to repel moles, gophers, and other subterranean pests 🌿.
Ornamental appeal 🌼: Blue-green, waxy leaves with pale midribs and a distinct upright growth habit make it an eye-catching addition to gardens 🌳.
Folk medicine 🧪: Historically used as a purgative, antiseptic, and even a folk remedy for cancer, warts, and corns 🌿, though all parts are highly toxic ⚠️ and must be handled with care.
Botanical Features 🌿
Stem: Glaucous blue-green, erect, sometimes branching 🌳
Leaves: Lanceolate, 5–15 cm long, 1–2.5 cm wide, glaucous with pale midveins 🍃
Flowers: Green to yellow-green, ~4 mm diameter, petal-less 🌼
Seeds: Green ripening to brown/grey, clustered in globular capsules of three seeds 🌱
Cultivation & Growing Tips 🌱
Some seeds require cold stratification ❄️ to break dormancy. Plant outdoors in early spring 🌸, at least 2–3 weeks before the heat surge, or refrigerate seeds before planting. The plant thrives in well-draining soil 🌾 and moderate sunlight, making it easy to grow in temperate gardens. Handle with gloves 🧤 due to the toxic latex sap.
Safety ⚠️
All plant parts, including seeds and roots, are toxic to humans and most animals 🚫. Skin contact can cause irritation. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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