Dwarf Spurge
VU

Dwarf Spurge

Euphorbia exigua

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Cordula Bernert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Cordula Bernert

Overview

Euphorbia exigua, dwarf spurge or small spurge, is a species of Euphorbia in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to Europe, northern Africa and the Near East, and invasive worldwide.

Dwarf Spurge faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and habitat conversion, which has reduced suitable arable and disturbed ground habitats across its range. Modern farming practices, including increased herbicide use and changes in crop rotation patterns, have particularly impacted this small annual species that depends on traditional agricultural systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dwarf Spurge occupies arable fields, cultivated ground, gardens, waste places, and disturbed sandy or chalky soils, typically in open sunny locations. This small annual herb thrives in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils and is often associated with traditional extensive farming systems and field margins.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Euphorbiaceae

CR

Bonania erythrosperma

Unknown
CR

Lasiocroton gracilis

Unknown
CR

Acalypha hutchinsonii

Unknown
CR

Croton leonis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dwarf Spurge classified as Vulnerable?
Dwarf Spurge is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Dwarf Spurge faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and habitat conversion, which has reduced suitable arable and disturbed ground habitats across its range. Modern farming practices, including increased herbicide use and changes in crop rotation patterns, have particularly impacted this small annual species that depends on traditional agricultural systems.
Where does Dwarf Spurge live?
Dwarf Spurge occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dwarf Spurge?
The main threats to Dwarf Spurge are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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