Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants to large and long-lived trees. The genus has over or about 2,000 members, making it one of the largest genera of flowering plants. It also has one of the largest ranges of chromosome counts, along with Rumex and Senecio. Euphorbia antiquorum is the type species for the genus Euphorbia.
The plants share the feature of having a poisonous, milky, white latex-like sap, and unusual and unique kind of floral structures. Take caution to avoid contact of the sap with eyes or skin as it may cause irritation in individuals.