Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus)
A small annual herb up to 40cm high, comprising a main central stem with branching towards the base. A common weed around buildings, gardens and disturbed areas.
The flowers (cyathia) are small and insignificant; yellowish-green in colour, held in leafy bunches.
The thin, soft leaves are oval, rounded to obovate, pale green in colour, 4-25mm long and 4-17mm wide.
Toxicity category: 2, 3
Warning: For all eye exposures rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical attention. Seek medical attention if ingestion causes any symptoms.
Common name: Petty spurge
Botanical name: Euphorbia peplus.
Other common names: Radium plant
Family: Euphorbiaceae
General description: A small annual herb up to 40cm high, comprising a main central stem with branching towards the base. A common weed around buildings, gardens and disturbed areas.
Flowers: The flowers (cyathia) are small and insignificant; yellowish-green in colour, held in leafy bunches.
Leaves: The thin, soft leaves are oval, rounded to obovate, pale green in colour, 4-25mm long and 4-17mm wide.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit is a very small capsule that contains black to dark brown seeds with 3 to 4 pits on one side.
Other: Milky white sap.
Symptoms: Skin contact with sap can cause intense pain and blistering. Eye contact may cause intense pain and severe swelling. Ingestion may result in severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Toxicity category: 2, 3
Warning: For all eye exposures rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical attention. Seek medical attention if ingestion causes any symptoms.
