Euphorbia ipecacuanhae is a very effective purgative, concentrated into bottles and sold as Syrum of Ipecac. Another property in this plant causes hallucinations. Unfortunatly the two don't work together too well. Euphorbias come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Most of the garden hybrids are herbaceous perennials, the larger and hardier species keeping some leaves and wood over the winter, resembling more of a shrub but still being classified as a perennial.
Some wonderful varieties exist.
Euphorbia characias 'Wulfeni' is very popular. It bears lime green flowers, silvery-grey leaves and can grow to 6 feet tall. Euphorbia 'Chameleon' is more dainty, sprawling upright and sideways to about 2 feet tall, with burgundy leaves and burgundy flowers with maroon and lime highlights. Euphorbia polyphylla is the hardiest of them all, forming cushions of bright yellow flowers in the spring. This year I have started Euphorbia heterophylla from seed.