Euphorbia milli commonly called Crown of Thorns or Christ of Thorns originated in Madagascar and comes from the Euphorbiaceae family.
The common name of this plant is in reference to the belief by some that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ at the crucifixion was fashion from stems of the Euphorbia milli.
They are many varieties of Crown of Thorns; the most common one has tiny red flowers in clusters. There are new exotic hybrids that were developed in early 2000 in exciting colours of red, yellow, salmon, peach and white as well as bi-coloured 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 sand soil and grows in full sunlight.
After watering allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. Fertilise with Blue Corn Fertilizer or Osmocote Slow Release once per month.
Crown of Thorns has adapted well in Guyana and the Caribbean and the exotic hybrids are widely planted.
NB: This plant bleeds white milk sap when damaged, do be careful not to let it come into contact with your eyes or face.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
