Unknown Euphorbiaceae

[Paul T]

Howdy All,

This was growing in my friend's garden.  It had been cut down at one point from about 5m tall I think he said, but he has no idea what it actually is.  On first view I thought it was Cotinus coggygria, but that doesn't have the Euphorbiaceae sap does it (I've included a broken leaf, to show this)?  Lovely shade of red/purple.  I have no idea of the flowers.  The leaves are about 10cm long, but may be bigger when it gets taller again.  You can see the old trunk next to it.

Anyone have any idea what it is?

[Gerdk]

Paul,
It seems your first view was right - Cotinus has  also (poisonous) sap. The variety with red leaves is very common here in European gardens.

Gerd

[arisaema]

What about Euphorbia cotinifolia?

[Paul T]

I came across Cotinus coggygria 'Grace' at a nursery yesterday and broke a leaf.  No sign of any white sap in the leaf at all.  My friend's place is a couple of hours north or here and not as cold as here, so it is possible that his plants just weren't heading into leaf drop yet, but in the nursery there was no sign at all of the white sap?  That is why I thought it confirmed that what I photographed was not the same thing?

[Gerdk]

What about Euphorbia cotinifolia?

Very likely - a better alternative than mine!

Gerd

[Paul T]

The Euphorbia cotinifolia looks spot on.  Just done some browsing of the Net and there are pics that almost exactly match what we saw at my friend's place.  Thanks heaps for the ID. 

[Lesley Cox]

There's another red-leaved Euphorbia almost the same and very beautiful. I had some cuttings given to me but they were very tender. I think it came from India. Can't remember the name.