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Common Name : Indian Spurge     -       Scientific Name : Euphorbia antiquorum (Euphorbiaceae)       -       Other Name : Fleshy Spurge (E), Spurge Cactus (E), Daluk (S)
Kumutu Villu
06/22/2013
Mahapatessa
01/11/2014
Mahapatessa
01/11/2014
Mahapatessa
01/11/2014
Kok Mottai
07/20/2013
Kok Mottai
07/20/2013
Ochchappukallu
07/20/2013

This is an indigenous species that is can be seen up to an altitude of about 800 meters. It is also found in India.

The conservation status of the species under reference is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is an unmistakable tree in the dry lowland forested areas of the country especially in rocky places. It is common in most dry zone national parks.

In Wilpattu this species can be seen throughout the park but is more plentiful close to Kok mote bungalow area and Ochchappukallu areas.

This species flowers throughout the year. I have seen it in bloom at Kumutu Villu in June and Mahapatessa in January.

Once at Mahapatessa I was quite interested to observe a large number of hornets (that build large ivory coloured cylindrical shaped nests (Dembara)) visiting and alighting on the flowers of this species. On close observation I noticed that they were in fact feeding on the pollen f these flowers in the same manner that bees feed on the pollen. These large insects with a vicious sting however, are not known to gather pollen and their nests do not contain any honey. Perhaps the insects feed on the pollen of this species to feed their larvae.