Euphorbia milii, the crown-of-thorns, Christ plant or Christ's thorn, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar. The specifies commemorates Baron Milius, once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821.
The native Malagasy name for this plant, songosongo, has also been applied to several other Euphorbia species.[See:
]
It is thought that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times; legend, which associates it with the crown-of-thorns worn by Jesus upon his crucifixion, has likely influenced the common name "crown-of-thorns".
Description
E. milii is a woody,
succulent subshrub or
shrub growing up to tall, depending on
cultivar, with densely spiny stems. Some varieties grow in a more horizontal, sprawling, or prostrate manner, while others grow nearly vertically. Certain cultivars are prized for their thinner stems, while many, especially the Thai hybrids, have considerably thicker, substantial stems, measuring several inches in diameter. Just as the flowers and growth habit can vary by cultivar, so too can the sharpness/bluntness or shape and consistency of the spines. On most varieties, the spines will measure up to long, and aid the plant in scrambling over other plants, eventually forming a dense and impenetrable wall. The fleshy, green
leaf are found mainly on new growth,
and are up to long and broad. Several
Variegation varieties exist in cultivation.
The are small, subtended by a pair of conspicuous petal-like , variably red, pink or white, up to broad.
Toxicity
The sap is moderately poisonous, and causes irritation on contact with skin or eyes. If ingested, it causes severe stomach pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, and vomiting. The poisonous ingredients have been identified as
phorbol esters.
It is very toxic to domesticated animals such as, horses, sheep, cats and dogs.
For humans it is mildly toxic and only acts as an irritant.
Uses
Pesticide
The plant itself has proven to be an effective
molluscicide and a natural alternative to pest control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the usage of
Euphorbia milii in aiding snail control.
Especially in endemic countries.
Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease from freshwater
, carried by snails. Extracts from the plant are used to control the snail population to avoid getting infected from a parasite.
Varieties
E. milii is a variable species, and several varieties have been described; some of these are treated as distinct species by some authors.
(syn.
E. splendens) is considered to be the living embodiment of the supreme deity in
Bathouism, a minority religion practiced by the
Bodo people of Eastern
India and
Nepal.
-
Euphorbia milii var. bevilaniensis (Croizat) Ursch & Leandri 1955
-
Euphorbia milii var. hislopii (N.E.Br.) Ursch & Leandri 1955 (syn. E. hislopii)
-
Euphorbia milii var. imperatae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955
-
Euphorbia milii var. longifolia Werner Rauh 1967
-
Euphorbia milii var. milii
-
Euphorbia milii var. roseana Marn.-Lap. 1962
-
Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Wenceslas Bojer ex Hook.) Ursch & Leandri 1955
-
Euphorbia milii var. tananarivae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955
-
Euphorbia milii var. tenuispina Werner Rauh & Razaf. 1991
-
Euphorbia milii var. tulearensis Ursch & Leandri 1955
-
Euphorbia milii var. vulcanii (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955
Cultivation
Euphorbia milii can be propagated from cuttings.
is not hardy, and does not tolerate temperatures below . In temperate areas it needs to be grown under glass in full sun. During the summer it may be placed outside in a sheltered spot, when all risk of frost is absent. The species
and the variety
E. milii var.
splendens have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Wat Phrik in Thailand claims to be the home of the world's tallest Christ thorn plant.
Notes
