Euphorbia

/juːˈfɔːrbiə/ noun

Definition

A large genus of plants that includes spurges and poinsettias, many with milky sap and complex flowers.

Etymology

Named after Euphorbus, a Greek physician in Mauritania around 1 AD, by the botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. The plant genus was named in honor of this ancient healer.

Kelly Says

The humble poinsettia that decorates millions of homes at Christmas is actually a euphorbia—and its red 'petals' aren't petals at all but modified leaves called bracts, making it botanically sneaky.

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