Euphorbia lathyris, caper spurge, paper spurge, Mole plant

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 10 min read

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Patient Mode

Understand this article easily

Switch between simple English and easy Bangla patient notes. This is for education and does not replace a doctor consultation.

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Euphorbia lathyris, the caper spurge or paper spurge, is a member of Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family) native to southern Europe (France, Italy, Greece, northwest Africa, and eastward through southwest Asia to western China. Other names occasionally used include Caper spurge, Gopherplant, Moleplant, Mole plant, Myrtle spurge, Gopher spurge, Paper spurge, Petroleum plant, euphorbia-oil plant, myrtle spurge, spring wort, Wide caper, caper bush, gopher spurge, mole weed, spurge...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Mole plant facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Mole plant Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health benefits of Mole plant in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of Mole plant in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Mole plant facts

Name	Mole plant
Scientific Name	Euphorbia lathyris
Native	Southern Europe (France, Italy, Greece, northwest Africa, and eastward through southwest Asia to western China
Common Names	Caper spurge, Gopherplant, Moleplant, Mole plant, Myrtle spurge, Gopher spurge, Paper spurge, Petroleum plant, euphorbia-oil plant, myrtle spurge, spring wort, Wide caper, caper bush, gopher spurge, mole weed, spurge, sassy jack
Name in Other Languages	Bulgarian: Krŭstolistna mlechka (Кръстолистна млечка) Catalan: Cagamuja, Herba del frare, Herba ratera, Herba talpera, Herba vomitòria, Lleteresa Chinese: Xu sui zi (续随子) Czech: Pryšec skočcový Danish: Kors-vortemælk, Korsvortemælk Dutch: Kruisbladige wolfsmelk, Kruisbladwolfsmelk English: Caper spurge, Gopherplant, Moleplant, Mole plant, Myrtle spurge, Gopher spurge, Paper spurge, Petroleum plant, euphorbia-oil plant, myrtle spurge, spring wort, Wide caper, caper bush, gopher spurge, mole weed, spurge, sassy jack French: Épurge, Euphorbe des jardins, Euphorbe épurge, Euphorbe gesse, Herbe à taupes, catapuce German: Kreuzblättrige Wolfsmilch, Spring-Wolfsmilch Greek: Euforbia i lathyris (Ευφορβία η λαθυρίς) Hungarian: Hasindító kutyatej Italian: Capapuzza, Catapuzia, Catapuzza, Euforbia catapuzia, Scatapuzza Korean: Sogsuja Lithuanian: Zirnikinė karpažolė Norwegian: Hagevortemjølk Occitan: Catapuça Polish: Wilczomlecz groszkowy. Portuguese: Catapúcia-menor, Morganheira, Tártago Russian: Molochai Chiny (Молочай Чины) Serbian: Križnolistni mleček Slovenian: Križnolistni mleček, Mleček križnolistni Spanish: Cañamón purgante, Catapucia , Catapucia menor, Catapuja, Hierba topera, Higuera del infierno, Lecherina, Lechetrezna, Piñoncillo, Tártago Swedish: Korstörel
Plant Growth Habit	Glabrous to glaucous succulent annual, biennial, perhaps perennial
Growing Climates	Common and persistent in gardens, waste places, cultivated land, riverbeds, coastal situations, grasslands, marshes, dunes, scrub and chaparral habitats
Plant Size	1.5 m tall
Stem	Glaucous blue-green stem
Leaf	Leaves are arranged in decussate opposite pairs, and are lanceolate, 5–15 cm long and 1-2.5 cm broad, glaucous blue-green with a waxy texture and pale greenish-white midrib and veins.
Flowering season	May to June
Flower	Flowers are green to yellow-green, 4 mm diameter, with no petals
Fruit Shape & Size	3-lobed, sub globose capsule which are coarsely wrinkled and 1/2 to 1 cm long
Fruit Color	Green ripening to brown or Grey
Seed	Ovoid, flattened, 4–6 mm long, carunculate, hard
Propagation	By seeds
Plant Parts Used	Seeds
Season	July to August
Health Benefits	Difficulty with Urination Reduce infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation, swelling and relieve Pain Snake bites Anticancer
Culinary Uses	The seed has been used as a substitute for capers. It is very acrid and requires long steeping in salt and water, and afterwards in vinegar.

Mole plant Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Euphorbia lathyris

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Subdivision	Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Rosidae
Superorder	Rosanae
Order	Euphorbiales
Family	Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Genus	Euphorbia L. (spurge)
Species	Euphorbia lathyris L. (moleplant)
Synonyms	Epurga lathyris (L.) Fourr. Euphorbia decussata Salisb. Euphorbia lathyris var. minor Hook. & Arn. Euphorbia lathyrus L. Euphorbia spongiosa Ledeb. Euphorbia spongiosa Ledeb. ex Schrank Euphorbion lathyrum (L.) St.-Lag. Galarhoeus decussatus (Salisb.) Gray Galarhoeus lathyris (L.) Haw. Keraselma lathyris (L.) Raf. Tithymalus cataputia Garsault Tithymalus cataputia infrasubsp. oppr Tithymalus lathyris (L.) Hill

Species name lathyris is an old Greek name for a kind of spurge. Commonly known as the Mole Plant, it is supposed to deter moles which are said not to like the scent exuded by the roots into the soil, or the taste it gives to worms. In the US it is known as the Gopher Spurge or Gopher Plant for much the same reason. Other common name of Caper Spurge takes its name from the seed pods which look like capers but are very poisonous. All parts of the plant, including the seeds and roots are poisonous. Handling may cause skin irritation as the plant produces latex. While poisonous to humans and most livestock, goats seem to enjoy eating it and are immune to the toxin. However, the toxin can be passed through the goat’s milk.

Plant Description

Mole plant is a glabrous to glaucous succulent annual, biennial, perhaps perennial plant that grows about 1.5 m tall with a glaucous blue-green stem. The plant is common and persistent in gardens, waste places, cultivated land, riverbeds, coastal situations, grasslands, marshes, dunes, scrub and chaparral habitats. Leaves are lance shaped, arranged in decussate opposite pairs, and are lanceolate, 5–15 cm long and 1-2.5 cm broad, glaucous blue-green with a waxy texture and pale greenish-white midrib and veins. The flowers are green to yellow-green, 4 mm in diameter, with no petals. Flowering normally takes place from May to June. Fertilize flowers are followed by 3-lobed, sub globose capsule which are coarsely wrinkled and 1/2 to 1 cm long. Fruits are initially green ripening to brown or Grey. Seeds are ovoid, flattened, 4–6 mm long, carunculate and hard. Unfortunately, all parts of mole spurge plant are poisonous. Despite its poisonousness, various parts of the mole spurge plant have been used medicinally through the years.

Caper spurge is regarded as an environmental weed in Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT. It has been grown as a garden ornamental and has become naturalized throughout many parts of the world. In Victoria, it is listed as an invasive weed of riparian shrubland and riverine escarpment shrubland plant communities. It is also on local environmental weed lists (e.g. the Mount Alexander Shire common invasive garden plants list) and is present in conservation areas in this state.

Health benefits of Mole plant

Listed below are some of the health benefits of using Mole plant

1. Difficulty with Urination

Mole plant seeds, yellow lead, and honey can be processed into pills for oral taking to treat difficulty with urination.

2. Reducing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation, swelling and relieving Pain

Powdered Mole plant seeds are taken orally to cause diarrhea and treat edema (swelling caused by fluid retention).

3. Snakebites

Powdered Mole plant seeds mixed with saliva is applied externally to treat snake bites.

4. Anticancer

According to the preliminary research, fresh Mole plant has mild inhibitory effect on Leukemia cells.

Traditional uses and benefits of Mole plant

Caper spurge was used in the past as a violent purgative, whilst the rubefacient action of the leaves was used by beggars to raise unsightly sores on their skins to elicit pity and thereby obtain more money.
All parts of the plant are emetic and purgative and the plant is nowadays considered to be far too toxic for it to be used medicinally.
Latex in the stems has been used externally as a depilatory and to remove corns, but it is too irritant to be used safely.
Seed is diuretic, parasiticide and purgative.
It has been used in the treatment of dropsy, edema, tumors, amenorrhea, schistosomiasis, scabies and snake bites.
Fresh seed has an anti-tumor action, effective against acute lymphocytic and granulocytic leukemia.
Plant has anticancer activity.
It is also antiseptic, cathartic, emetic and purgative.
One seed capsule is said to cause catharsis, several to cause an abortion.
It is used in folk medicine as a remedy for cancer, corns, and warts and has been used by beggars to induce skin boils.

Other Facts

Fine clear oil is obtained from the seed.
It is a violent poison, producing violent purging and irritation to the intestines.
It can be used medicinally when fresh.
Latex in the leaves can be converted into vehicle fuel.
Growing plant is said to repel mice and moles, this is said to be most effective in its second year of growth though lots of reports cast doubt on this ability.

Precautions

Sap consists of latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts.
Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.
Seed is also poisonous.
Avoid use during Pregnancy and breast feeding.
Overdoses result in burning mouth, nausea, diarrhea, dilated pupils and collapse with pallor, rigidity, frigidity, cold sweats, arrhythmic pulse, vertigo, delirium, alternating hot and cold flashes, cramps, etc.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.