Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Chamaesyce vermiculata (Rafinesque) House
(Worm Seed Spurge)


Family: Euphorbiaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Euphorbia vermiculata Rafinesque

Chamaesyce vermiculata is an herbaceous plant with opposite leaves. It grows in an ascending fashion. The leaves are inequilateral at the base and toothed. The herbage is pubescent even though the capsules are glabrous. The leaves are shorter than 20mm in length and the capsules are under 2mm in diameter. The stipules are united into a scale with a fimbriate margin and the styles are divided halfway to the base. Gene Jercinovic helped with the ID and description of this plant.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Chamaesyce vermiculata, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009



Chamaesyce vermiculata, closeup of pilose herbage with serrate and opposite leaves (cyathiam in center), photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009



Chamaesyce vermiculata, closeup of leaves, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009



Chamaesyce vermiculata, cyathium with stipitate (raised) glands, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009



Chamaesyce vermiculata, macro of cyathium, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009


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