Euphorbia is a genus of flowering plants in the SPURGE family, Euphorbiaceae. It contains over 2, 000 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, including the common weed known as SPURGE (Euphorbia peplus). The genus is native to many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers and foliage.