Euphorbia lathyris
Noun: 1. A poisonous Old World spurge plant: Euphorbia lathyris is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to southern Europe and western Asia. It is characterized by its erect, blue-green stems and linear leaves arranged in opposite pairs. 2. An adventive plant in America: The plant has been introduced and has become established outside its native range, including in parts of the Americas. 3. A source of a purgative oil: The seeds of this plant yield an oil that has strong purgative (laxative) properties.
- As a binomial nomenclature term: The term "Euphorbia lathyris" is used in scientific and botanical contexts to precisely identify this specific species within the genus . Common names like "caper spurge" or "mole plant" are often used in gardening contexts.
- In ecological context: Describing a plant as "adventive," like Euphorbia lathyris in America, indicates it is non-native and has become naturalized without necessarily being invasive.
- Caper spurge (n): A common name for , referring to the appearance of its flower buds which resemble capers.
- Mole plant (n): Another common name, stemming from the folk belief that planting it repels moles.
- Spurge (n): The common name for plants in the genus , many of which have a milky, often toxic latex sap.
- Purgative (n/adj): (A substance) causing vigorous evacuation of the bowels.
- Caper spurge (n)
- Mole plant (n)
The primary meaning of "Euphorbia lathyris" is as a specific botanical identifier. Its significance derives from three key attributes: its poisonous nature (via its sap), its status as an introduced species in some regions, and the medicinal (purgative) property of its seed oil. It is not typically used in idiomatic or figurative language.
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poisonous Old World spurge; adventive in America; seeds yield a purgative oil
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