Chamaesyce dioica

Martin and Hutchins 1980

Duration: Annual Nativity: Native Lifeform: Forb/Herb General: Annual with prostrate stems with pubescent herbage. Leaves: Opposite, oblong to ovate, not equal at the base, toothed near the apex, usually acute at the apex. Flowers: Cyathia mostly scattered and solitary with 4 glands, with conspicuous petal like appendages, usually with 2 of the appendages much longer than the others, about 15 staminate flowers. Fruits: Capsules puberulent, the seeds transversely rugose. Ecology: Found on low hills and plains; 4,000-6,000 ft (1219-1829 m); flowers August-October. Distribution: AZ, NM, w TX; south to S. Amer. Notes: An annual distinguished by being prostrate, with serrate leaves which are mostly acute, and especially the conspicuous white petaloid appendages (look like petals), 2 much longer than the others, with the fruits often hiding underneath. Ethnobotany: Unknown Etymology: Euphorbia is named for Euphorbus, Greek physician of Juba II, King of Mauretania, while indivisa means undivided. Synonyms: Euphorbia dioica, Euphorbia dioeca var. indivisa, Chamaesyce indivisa Editor: SBuckley 2011, FSCoburn 2015

Plant: Prostrate annual forb branching from central point; herbage with milky sap Leaves: leaves opposite, inequilateral at base, margins minutely serrate Flowers: flowers monoecious borne in cyathia; petaloid appendages cream-pinkish, conspicuous, the 2 proximal ones greatly prolonged; ovary and capsule bearing hairs, ~2mm long; seeds with 5-6 deep, transverse grooves.