Head Sand Mat
Euphorbia capitellata
Chamaesyce capitellata
On a rocky slope near Queen Creek, Pinal Co., Arizona. March 2017.
PERENNIAL: Although a small plant, it has a woody base from which the herbaceous
stems regrow year after year. Stems
may spread out up to 30 cm.
LEAVES: The leaves are opposite on the stems and the tips are pointed.
RANGE: Upper Sonoran Scrub on rocky slopes from central Arizona south into Sonora.
Also New Mexico and western Texas.
FLOWERS: The small showy flower heads are grouped into larger showy heads.
UNARMED: No thorns, but the milky sap can be a skin or eye irritant.
FRUIT: Very small capsules, ca. 2.5 mm, are three-parted and each contains usually
three seeds.