Unknown Plant

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Keg, May 4, 2004.

  1. Keg

    Keg Member

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    Can anyone identify this plant for me ? It germinated in the garden. I think it may be a Euphorbia but I am not sure! Thanks. Picture attached.
     

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  2. Douglas Justice

    Douglas Justice Well-Known Member UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society 10 Years

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    Location:
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    It is indeed a euphorbia. It is Euphorbia lathyris. The common names gopher spurge or mole plant presumably refer to the odd smell this species produces. Does anyone know if it actually repels varmints?
     
  3. hungry hippo

    hungry hippo Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
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    gopher plant

    I tried planting it extensively amongst both vegetable plants and roses in a garden in California that was absolutely infested with gophers. While they didn't actively eat it; it did very little, if anything, to actually repel them or deter them from eating every other living, growing thing. I made the mistake of getting the sap on me once and then wiping sweat from my face. I wound up in the emergency room, so be careful around the stuff if you do plant it.
     
  4. douglas

    douglas Active Member 10 Years

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    Hi Please note that all parts of this plant is poisonous if injested. Expecially the seeds NOT A GOOD ONE IF YOUNG CHILDREN ARE AROUND.

    The milky sap is indeed an irritant to the skin and it is recomended that gloves be used when handeling this plant.

    I don't Know where the Golpher part comes in but the Mole
    part (in the common names) refers to a medinical treatment made from the sap for the removal of moles on the human skin. I am not sure if it works but I can say if you fall in patch with nothing but cutoffs and shoes it sure feels like it wants to remove more than moles.

    regards doug
     

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