The sandmat spurges probably do not factor into the daily lives of most people. Yet, we walk over them, we trample them, we pull them from our lawns and gardens with little regard to their incredible natural history. The spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) lays claim to many incredible plant species but today we take a closer look at one group in particular: the sandmat spurges in the section Anisophyllum. Joining in on the celebration is spurge fanatic Nathan Taylor, who is leading the charge on understanding these plants a lot better. He isn't doing it alone. With the input from citizen scientists all over the world, Nathan is using iNaturalist to amass a much greater understanding of the sandmat spurges as well as many of their botanical cousins. Join us for a deep dive into a group of plants to which we all need to dedicate more attention. This episode was produced in part by Brett, Jocelyn, Kathleen, Ethan, Kaylee, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Donna, Donica, Chris, Shamora, Alana, Laura, Alice, Sarah, Rachel, Joanna, Griff, Philip, Paul, Matthew, Clark, Bobby, Kate, Steven, Brittney, McMansion Hell, Joey, Catherine, Brandon, Hall, Vegreville Creek and Wetlands Fund, Kevin, Oliver, John, Johansson, Christina, Jared, Hannah, Katy Pye, Brandon, Gwen, Carly, Stephen, Botanical Tours, Moonwort Studios, Liba, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, doeg, Clifton, Stephanie, Benjamin, Eli, Rachael, Plant By Design, Philip, Brent, Ron, Tim, Homestead Brooklyn, Brodie, Kevin, Sophia, Mark, Rens, Bendix, Irene, Holly, Caitlin, Manuel, Jennifer, Sara, and Margie.
Learn more about spurges in the section Anisophyllum
Check out the Euphorbia of the United States iNaturalist project
Pick up some In Defense of Plants merch
Music by Moneycat
*Note: The bee we mention is Perdita minima