Notes on Euphorbia mauritanica, E. gossypina and some related species with an amplified description of E. berotica

Abstract

Some aspects of the possible evolutionary development in the Euphorbia mauritanica—lateriflora—gossypina complex are discussed, and the seed morphology is considered probably to be of considerable significance in the taxonomy of the group. The relevance of the recently discovered relic population of  E. gossypina is also considered, and a detailed description of this species, based on the Rhodesian material, is provided.

The identity of the little known  E. berotica N.E. Br. from Angola is established and an amplified description drawn up. Attention is also given to the confusion concerning the type locality and distribution  of E.  mauritanica L. var.  lignosa White, Dyer & Sloane.