Euphorbia

Over 1,600 species of herbs, shrubs or trees, widely distributed and extremely variable in growth habit. Many species (mostly tender) are cactus-like, succulent, and often spiny, but Euphorbias take a wide range of other forms as well. The tender species are often grown indoors, or cultivated outdoors in warm climates. Many of the hardy species (most or all of which are herbaceous) are cultivated as ornamentals; they thrive in any good garden soil. The milky juice of many euphorbias can cause severe dermatitis in susceptible individuals, and care should be taken in working with the plants.