Spurges (Euphorbia L., Euphorbiaceae) of the Boreal Eurasia. I. Section Paralias Dumort

Abstract

The section Paralias L. of the genus Euphorbia L. in the Circumboreal floristic region is revised using traditional taxonomic approach. The section is represented in the region by 16 species of 3 subsections. A special attention is paid to the E. nicaeensis All. aggregate. E. nicaeensis s. str. is regarded as almost strictly Mediterranean species differing from other members of the aggregate by nectarias with appendicules («horns»), even if very short. E. glareosa Pall. ex Bieb. is characterized by small (10–20 cm) and thin (1.5–2 mm) stems and usually 5 pseudoumbell rays. E. pannonica Host and E. stepposa Zoz ex Prokh. have stems (20)25–70 cm high, 2.5–4 mm diam. and psudoumbell of (5)7–16 rays. E. pannonica differs from E. stepposa by pilose fruits and/or presense of small «glareose» indumentum.