Crown Of Thorns
(Euphorbia milii)
Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
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Manas Bera
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Manas Bera
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Manas Bera | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Manas Bera (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Manas Bera | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2016-06-14T22:00Z | Title: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.: flower | Notes: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.: leaf |















































































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Euphorbia milii, commonly known as Crown Of Thorns, is a woody succulent subshrub or shrub native to the dry forests and scrub areas of Madagascar. It typically grows to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall with densely spiny stems. The species is well-adapted to hot, sunny, and dry conditions, reflecting its native habitat’s ecology. The small flowers are surrounded by a pair of conspicuous petal-like bracts that are variably red, pink, or white, and can be up to 12 mm (0.47 in) broad. Euphorbia milii is renowned for its year-round flowering, with a peak between spring and summer, and its thorns alongside deep red bracts symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion.
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and the striking contrast between its thorns and vibrant bracts. It is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant and can thrive outdoors in warmer climates. Euphorbia milii requires full sun and well-drained soil, with low to medium water needs. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). When grown under glass, such as in a greenhouse, it should receive full sun, and in summer, it can be moved outside to a sheltered spot free from frost. Both the species and the variety E. milii var. splendens have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their excellence for garden use. Propagation is typically done through cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and the striking contrast between its thorns and vibrant bracts. It is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant and can thrive outdoors in warmer climates. Euphorbia milii requires full sun and well-drained soil, with low to medium water needs. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). When grown under glass, such as in a greenhouse, it should receive full sun, and in summer, it can be moved outside to a sheltered spot free from frost. Both the species and the variety E. milii var. splendens have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their excellence for garden use. Propagation is typically done through cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, Red, White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry forests and scrub areas of Madagascar
Other Names
Common Names: Christ’s Plant , Christ Thorn , Christ Plant , Chrustusdorn , Corona De Cristo , Kristi Törnekrona , MartÃrios , Coroa-De-Cristo , Coroa-De-Espinho , Bem-Casados
Scientific Names: Euphorbia milii , Euphorbia milii var. breonii , Euphorbia breonii , Euphorbia milii subsp. breonii , Euphorbia splendens subsp. breonii , Euphorbia splendens var. breonii
GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.