An alternative key for identifying three prostrate species of the genus Euphorbia

Abstract

Plants are a valuable source of different folk and modern medicines. Therefore, correctly identifying the plant species is a prerequisite for using them in the health care system. Euphorbia species are of great medicinal importance but are difficult to distinguish due to the occurrence of ecotypes and a high degree of polymorphism within the species. Therefore, the present study was planned to explore the extent of variations in morphological characters among three Euphorbia species, namely, Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia serpens Kunth and Euphorbia thymifolia L. The edaphic ecotypes red and green forms of Euphorbia prostrata growing separately or adjacent to each other were reported during field surveys. To ensure identification accuracy, illustrated online key was prepared as a supportive tool for the traditional key.