May 28, 2016

Dwarf Spurge


Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua) is the smallest Spurge in Dordogne. Some full-grown plants are not bigger than two centimeters. It grows in calcareous meadows, especially in spots where vegetation is sparse and the soil is visible.





The species is rather diverse. Often the plants are greyish green, but sometimes it is more yellowish green with a reddish stem, as here. This exemplar is really big, it looms large above the tiny 'Controversial Sandworts' (Arenaria controversa) around it.








This year it is abundant, maybe because of the rain. Here some individuals from a carpet of thousands, each one with its flower head.