Euphorbia hamata green fruit in bracts

    Euphorbia hamata green fruit in bracts
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Thabo Maphisa

    The large, globose Euphorbia hamata ovary is losing the need for the stigma on top as it becomes a fruit. The stigma branches have started shrivelling, the style in different colours.

    Six vertical segment lines are visible on the fruit from tip to base, indicating the borders of locules. White mottling is present on the shiny green surface.

    The three leaf-like bracts are colourfully festooned, in close attendance around the fruit base. Maybe there should be a famous story about The Three Bracts in Euphorbia lore (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; Smith and Crouch, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist; http://llifle.com).

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