Euphoric about euphorbia!

Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Consisting of 2008 species, Euphorbia is one of the largest and most diverse genera in the plant kingdom. Members of the family and genus are commonly referred to as spurges. The family is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and the Americas, but also in temperate zones worldwide. Succulent species originate mostly from Africa, the Americas and Madagascar.

The common name "spurge" derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge ("to purge"), due to the use of the plant's sap as a purgative. ( Don't try this at home folks, it's poisonous! ).

The botanical name Euphorbia derives from Euphorbus, the Greek physician of king Juba II of Numidia, ( Anthony and Cleopatra's son-in-law ). He wrote that one of the cactus-like Euphorbias was a powerful laxative. In 12 B.C., Juba named this plant after his physician Euphorbus. Botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus assigned the name Euphorbia to the entire genus in the physician's honor

In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), the sap can produce extremely painful inflammation. Therefore, spurges should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets. Sap on skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Congealed sap is insoluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsifier like milk or soap. A physician should be consulted if inflammation occurs, as severe eye damage including permanent blindness may result from exposure to the sap.

Hmm, perhaps I ought not to be so euphoric!