Myrtle Spurge (Noun)
Meaning
Poisonous Old World spurge; adventive in America; seeds yield a purgative oil.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The myrtle spurge is a poisonous plant that should be handled with care, as its sap can cause skin irritation and blistering.
- In some areas of North America, the myrtle spurge has become a noxious weed, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystems.
- The seeds of the myrtle spurge contain a purgative oil that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but its use is not recommended due to its toxicity.
- Gardeners are often warned against planting the myrtle spurge in their gardens, as it can quickly spread and become invasive.
- The myrtle spurge is considered an adventive species in many parts of North America, meaning it was introduced by humans and has established itself in the wild.