Mercurialis L.
Herbs or small shrubs, usually dioecious; sap watery. Lvs stipulate, opposite, entire, serrate or crenate. ♂ fls: in clusters on long axillary spikes; perianth segments 3; stamens 8-15. ♀ fls: solitary or in clusters, axillary; perianth segments 3; ovary 2-celled with a single ovule in each cell; styles 2. Fr. a 2-celled capsule separating at maturity from the persistent axis; seed smooth or variously sculptured.
8 spp., Europe, Mediterranean and temperate Asia. Naturalised sp. 1.
