Euphorbia peplus L.

Glabrous, erect or spreading annual. Stems 5–40 cm high, branched or not at base. Lvs alternate, exstipulate, entire, ovate, cuneate at base, subacute to obtuse, 3–20 mm long; petioles 2–5 mm long. Terminal umbel (2)–3–(4)-rayed, with often several to numerous axillary rays arising below; lvs subtending rays similar to stem lvs but usually subsessile; rays sometimes secondarily branched and then forming compound dichasia; lvs subtending ray-branches and cyathia ovate-triangular, sessile, truncate at base, often asymmetric. Glands elliptic-oblong; horns long, slender. Capsule smooth, shallowly grooved; keels with 2 slightly winged ridges. Seeds rounded, grey and brown, c. 1.5 mm long, with 2 long ventral pits and several small circular dorsal pits.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]