Anthecology of Euphorbia—preliminary studies

The floral biology of perennial herbaceous to suffruticose species of Euphorbia was studied in various parts of Europe. The extensive range of visitors indicate a lack of specialization from the side of these plants, but apparently there is a dependence of certain solitary bees of spurge as a food plant. Experiments in which flowering branches were enclosed in gauze or nets indicated a strong dependence on entomophily. Self-compatibility is presumably of little incidence, which means that geitonogamy is possible and presumably common. The possible role of non-flying visitors (ants and spiders) is discussed. Some views regarding the anthecology of other Euphorbia species and other (and less advanced) genera of the Euphorbiaceae are expressed.