Euphorbia maculata

Spotted spurge

Euphorbia maculata, also known as spotted spurge, is an herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 45 cm. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, oval-lanceolate and up to 3.5 cm long. They are noticeable because of their purple-red spots on the underside. The plant has an upright, often red-spotted stem that secretes a white milky sap when damaged. The flowers are small and yellow-green and appear between June and October. The fruit is a three-part, spherical capsule containing brown seeds. Spotted spurge prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and shows a high tolerance to various soil conditions.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Euphorbia maculata can impact biodiversity by displacing native plants and altering habitats. It spreads particularly along paths and in paving joints, and prefers dry, warm, nutrient-rich locations.

Damage to health

When damaged, Euphorbia maculata releases a milky sap that can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin and serious damage if it comes into contact with the eyes. It is therefore recommended to take appropriate protective measures when handling the plant.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Botanical gardens

Original importation in botanical gardens and as an ornamental plant

Agriculture

Contaminated seeds of agricultural crops

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) includes around 300 genera with around 7,500 species. They are widespread worldwide, especially in the tropics. The family includes a wide variety of life forms, from annual plants to trees and even succulent species. Many representatives are characterized by the milky sap, which often contains irritating or toxic substances. The flowers are often small and inconspicuous, but grouped in characteristic structures. Important representatives are the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), the cassava (Manihot esculenta) and many ornamental plants such as the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and the spurge (Euphorbia). Some species, such as the castor bean (Ricinus communis), are highly poisonous.

Climate change

Euphorbia maculata has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because its potentially suitable habitat will become larger in the future. The environmental factors that most influence their spread are soil type, temperature in summer, road infrastructure, precipitation in winter and rail infrastructure.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Euphorbia maculata where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.