Anthecology of Euphorbia —preliminary studies

SUMMARY 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.