Euphorbiaceae -- the spurge family (320/7500; pan tropical, poorly represented in temperate areas)
Habit herbs, shrubs, trees, stem succulents often with milky sap
Leaves simple, alternate or opposite; stipulate
Inflorescence various, sometimes very condensed forming a cyathium
Special floral characters: imperfect flowers, typically apetalous,
Calyx 4-5 (0) sepals, distinct or ± connate
Corolla 0 (4-5) petals, distinct or basally connate; can be adnate to stamens
Androecium 1-many stamens, distinct or variously connate
Gynoecium 3 (1-20) carpels, connate; superior; 3 (1-20) styles often forked
Fruit=schizocarpic capsule (rarely a drupe, berry, pod, or samara)
(Floral formula: Ca4-5 (0) Co 0 (4-5) A 0 G 3 // Ca4-5 (0) Co 0 (4-5) A 1-many G 0 )