Euphorbia mille commonly called Crown of Thorns or Christ of Thorns originates from Madagascar and comes from the Euphorbiaceae family.
It is said that the crown Christ worn was made by the stems of this plant hence the name.
They are many varieties of the Crown of Thorns, the most popular one is Euphorbia mille and the most common one has small red flowers in clusters, with bracts. There are also new hybrid varieties that were developed in early 2000 in exciting colours of yellow, red, salmon and peach as well as bi-coloured one with large flowering bracts.
This tropical succulent has horizontal branches bearing sharp, prickly spines and relatively few leaves. It can be grown in a pot, while the common variety can be grown as a decorative hedge or used to create an interesting focal point in a rock garden. It likes partly sandy soil and grows in full sunlight. After watering, allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. Fertilize with Blue Corn Fertilizer once per month. Crown of Thorns has adapted well in Guyana and the Caribbean and the new hybrid varieties are widely planted.
NB: This plant bleeds white milk sap when damaged, be careful not to let it come into contact with your eyes or face.
Until next week, happy gardening.
