Euphorbia talassica (E. sect. Esula, Euphorbiaceae), a New Species of Leafy Spurges from the Western Tian-Shan

Scientists have identified Euphorbia talassica, a new species of leafy spurge (Euphorbiaceae) in the Western Tian-Shan region of Central Asia. This discovery expands the known diversity of Euphorbia sect. Esula and highlights its distinct morphological traits, including a slender and spreading rootstock and incrassate leaves, which differentiate it from its closest relative, E. irgisensis. The species thrives at higher elevations than related taxa and is found in the Talas Mountain Range spanning Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The study also provides an overview of Euphorbia ser. Andrachnoides in Central Asia, mapping seven species within this group.

Lazkov, G. A., & Sennikov, A. N. (2019). Euphorbia talassica (E. sect. Esula, Euphorbiaceae), a New Species of Leafy Spurges from the Western Tian-Shan. Annales Botanici Fennici, 56(1-3), 135. https://doi.org/10.5735/085.056.0119