Presented in Association with the Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia Family)
The Euphorbiaceae, known as the Euphorbia or Spurge Family, have a curious flower structure, born in a structure called the "cyathium."
Colorful bracts, easily mis-identified as petals or sepals, are common surrounding the male and female flowers.
The flowers are usually unisexual, but the staminate flowers may be immediately surrounding the female flower. The ovary may be borne on a stalk and appear to be suspended away from the rest of the flower. The Poinsettia is
a well-known member of the Euphorbiaceae.