About Euphorbia larica Boiss.
Euphorbia larica Boiss. is a perennial evergreen shrub or subshrub that reaches up to 150 cm (59 in) tall. It produces numerous erect stems that grow close together. Upper and young stems are light-green, while older lower stems are smooth, brown, and woody. Its leaves are small and nearly absent. As with many other euphorbias, broken stems of this species exude a milky sap. It flowers from November to April, bearing small yellow flowers on terminal and upper lateral spikes. Euphorbia larica is native to subtropical deserts of southern Iran and parts of Arabia. Its native range includes the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates, as well as the Dhofar Mountains of southern Oman. Within the South Iran Nubo–Sindian desert and semi-desert ecoregion of southern Iran, Euphorbia larica is a prominent species in multiple shrubland plant communities. These communities are the Euphorbia larica – Plocama aucheri association, the Euphorbia larica – Convolvulus acanthocladus association, and the Euphorbia larica – Sphaerocoma hookeri subsp. aucheri association. In the montane woodlands of the Hajar Mountains, Euphorbia larica is the predominant species on steep, rocky slopes, and it often grows alongside Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia gerrardii, and Periploca aphylla.
