The spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) is a large family of flowering plants with 300 genera and around 7,500 species. Most are herbs. Some, especially in the tropics, are shrubs or trees.
Spurge family | |
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Candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana) | |
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Family: | Euphorbiaceae Juss. |
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The name spurge comes from the Latin word espurge meaning to purge: this refers to its use as a laxative.