5 Apr 2013

A - Z Challenge - E



Euphorbia cyparissias. Eccentric.

This European plant Euphorbia has escaped from gardens to invade wasteland and hedgebanks, soon covering a large area of land. The stems and fern-like leaves contain a milky juice, which stains the skin and can produce blisters. The tiny yellow female flower develops red tinges as it matures. How did it escape? Maybe seed spread on the light wind which blew between picket railings on fences close to the countryside.



A famous fictitious detective, Hercule Poirot, lived in England in the early twentieth century, as eccentric as they come with his strange accent, neat moustache and prudish ways. Like the Euphorbia, he soon invaded society and worked his way into readers' hearts. 


Proverb: Every man for himself, and the Devil take the hindmost.

17 comments:

  1. I have a euphorbia plant outside in a pot - it is so bright and lovely with its red flowers. My garden Lown says it grows well in Malawi. I know too that euphorbia is used in certain medicines - with care.

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  2. I've never heard about anyone growing it for show. hehe. I live and learn.

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  3. Another delightful plant and eccentric certainly fits the Hercule Poirot character.

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    1. Hehe. There's aplenty lurking in wild England.

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  4. pretty. I like the Hercule Poirot reference. It made me want to pick up an Agatha book. Haven't read one in quite awhile,.

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  5. I've never heard of this plant, but please don't bring me a start. :) I have the Winter Creeper vine that keeps me busy as it spreads EVERYWHERE.

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  6. I do love a good eccentric character. Like another eccentric detective, Sherlock Holmes.

    Happy A through Z blogging.
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/

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    1. I love encentric people. Full stop. Harmless ones make life interesting. Not femme fatalles though. ;-)

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  7. Interesting, I've never seen this before.

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    1. I'm glad I could share some of the British wildflowers with you.

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  8. Hi, Francene Stanley,
    Yet another rare plant
    This European plant Euphorbia
    first time reading
    Keep bringing more such new
    things for your readers
    Best
    Ann

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  9. Hi Francene .. I'm definitely eccentric .. and euphorbia are just lovely with their bright lime green colours ... cheers Hilary

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  10. This is a brand new plant to me, never heard of it before. Thanks for the continuing education on flowers!

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