Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1989
Thesis Director
John E. Ebinger
Abstract
Fresh samples of nine species included in the family Euphorbiaceae, Acalypha qracilens, Acalypha ostryaefolia, Acalypha rhomboidea, Acalypha virginica, Chamaesyce maculata, Chamaesyce supina, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Euphorbia corollata, and Poinsettia dentata, were tested for the production of cyanide using the Feigl-Anger technique. Two of these taxa were tested for polymorphism of cyanogenesis by repeated testing of the same individuals within a population. Two of these nine species, Acalypha ostryaefolia and Cnidoscolus stimulosis, gave positive results, although not every individual tested was positive. One of the species tested for polymorphism, Acalypha ostryaefolia, proved to be polymorphic for the production of cyanogenic compounds. Euphorbia corollata was not found to be positive for hydrogen cyanide liberation. Dried material from 624 specimens, representing 105 species, in the Stover Herbarium at Eastern Illinois University, were also tested for cyanide production. Twelve species representing five tribes of the Euphorbiaceae in the herbarium were found to be cyanogenic. Ninety-five species of the family Euphorbiaceae, representing 20 tribes, have previously been reported as cyanogenic. Literature dealing with these reports is reviewed, emphasizing the plant parts tested and cyanogenic compounds which have been isolated.
Recommended Citation
Horton, Lucinda L., "Cyanogenesis in the Euphorbiaceae" (1989). Masters Theses. 2333.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2333
