This fiery spurge grows alongside the stream where it adds vibrant spring colour.
The genus Euphorbia contains approximately 2000 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs which have a global distribution. All members of the genus bear cyathia, an inflorescence with reduced male and female floral parts grouped together into a cup-shaped involucre of fused bracts. In poinsettia (E. pulcherrima) the red, pink or white bracts are often mistaken as petals, and in E. griffithii the involucre are almost hood-like in appearance and have a distinct orange-red colouring. A native of temperate and tropical Asia, E. griffithii flourishes in cool, moist conditions. The genus takes its name from Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauritania (30Bc-23AD), who used the latex from spurge in his medicinal remedies. The species name comes from William Griffith (1810-1845) who worked for the East India Company and served as the Superintendent of the Calcutta Botanic Garden.