...or 'spurge' - what a name - meaning 'to purge' as in times long ago it was used as a purgative...
...the name 'euphorbia' is in honour of Euphorbos, who was a famous Greek physician to King Iuba II, who in turn was also famous for marrying Anthony and Cleopatra's daughter...
...the plant has a milky white latex sap, which is such a powerful irritant, that when large succulent specimens of the plant are cut in a greenhouse, precautions to ensure the workspace is very well ventilated are taken...it is known that the mere vapours of euphorbia are enough to cause irritation the eyes and throat several metres away!
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