Euphorbia rigida, the gopher spurge or upright myrtle spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. Growing to tall and broad, it is a bushy evergreen perennial with somewhat fleshy leaves arranged in a spiral, bearing bunches of bright yellow flowers in late Spring.
In its native Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East it is considered a weed.Kavak H. Melampsora euphorbiae, a new rust disease found on Euphorbia rigida in Turkey. Plant Pathology [serial online]. December 2004;53(6):810. Available from: Environment Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 13, 2010. It has appeared spontaneously in the California wilderness but is not considered a noxious weed.
Gardening This plant is commonly used as an ornamental in temperate gardens of Europe and North America, where it is valued as a relatively trouble-free specimen for drought-resistant and low-maintenance situations. It is especially useful for underplanting larger shrubs such as roses. It performs best in well-drained soil in the sun or light shade.Swift, J. (2010, March 20). The aliens in the garden - Euphorbias come in all shapes and sizes and will add drama to your borders, says Joe Swift. Times, The (London, England) (01 ed.), 20,21. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News) It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Toxicity As with others of the genus, all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. When cut or broken, the wounds leak a milky sap which can cause skin irritation.
Biofuels Research has been done on using Euphorbia rigida as a bio fuel. It has been shown to produce 137 gallons of oil per acre.
Pyrolysis Reactor Type: Fixed Bed Process Type: Hydropyrolysis
References