Mercurialis tomentosa L.

Spice Fruit In the field

Family: EUPHORBIACEAE

Genus: Mercurialis

Catalan common name: Botja blanca. Botja peluda. Herba blanca. Mercolage. Mercoratge. Mercurial tomentós. Orella de rata.

Spanish common name: Carra. Criadillas de ratón. Hierba de Santa Quiteria. Hierba del veneno. Marrubiejo. Marrubillo. Mercurial blanca. Mercurial fruticosa.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Life-forms: Nanophanerophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones.

Characteristics: This is the only species of this genus with a woolly appearance, as this plant is densely covered with hairs. In its natural environment, its whitish look is what makes it standout amongst the rest of the surrounding plants.