Euphorbia × martini, or Martin's spurge, is a hybrid between two species of flowering plant, E. amygdaloides × E. characias subsp. characias[1] in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It was found growing wild in southern France.[2] Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, it is a dwarf evergreen subshrub with narrow grey-green leaves and in late spring and early summer, sprays of lime green flowers, often with a red or maroon eye. It is useful as a spreading, weed-smothering groundcover.[2] Though hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F), it is a Mediterranean plant best grown in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil in full sun.

Euphorbia × martini
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species:
E. × martini
Binomial name
Euphorbia × martini

All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, moreover euphorbias produce an irritant milky sap when cut or broken.

Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which the following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-[3]

  • 'Ascot Rainbow'[4]
  • 'Helen Robinson'[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP): Euphorbia × martini Rouy, Ill. Pl. Eur. 13: 107 (1900)". Kew Science. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Euphorbia × martini". Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  3. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 38. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  4. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Euphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow'". Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  5. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Euphorbia × martini 'Helen Robinson'". Retrieved 26 February 2018.