Euphorbia albomarginata- “Fanleaf crinklemat”

Also Known As: Fan-leaved Tiquilia, Tiquilia, Plicate Coldenia, Coldenia
Family: Borage (Boraginaceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-Jul
Form: Perennial herb forming a mat
Habitat: Sandy soils
Leaves: Ovate and deeply fan-folded (“plicate”)
Translation: “Tiquilia” is a Latinized form of “tiquil-tiquil,” a common name for the plant in Mexico, which itself is probably derived from “t’ikl,” the Quechua word for “flower.” In Quechua, an indigenous language, repeating a noun sometimes denoted the plural, so “tiquil-tiquil” would merely mean, “flowers.” “Coldenia” is named for Cadawallader Colden (1688-1776), Lieutenant-Governor of New York and correspondent of Linnaeus, “the Father of Taxonomy”; “plicata” is Latin for “plaited,” which refers to the accordion-like folds in the leaves.
Notes: Grows as a slightly mounded mat. The tiny, trumpet-shaped flowers are a lovely surprise if you get down on the ground and give this plant a close look. “Tiquilia” has nothing to do with “tequila,” the distilled beverage.
Animal Associations: Leaves eaten by the Desert Iguana.