Euphorbia milii Photo by: K.k. Agrawal
From panchkula cactus garden.
Origin and Habitat: Madagascar (Fort Dauphin area; 20 km south of Betroka; mountains near Ihosy, possibly between Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa; possibly north of Antananarivo, near Maevatanana; on the High Plateau near Imerina; Zombitse forest (Sakaraha) and at Le Table mountain near Tulear). It is also known from other tropical regions throughout the world and widely cultivated as ornamental.
Habitat and Ecology: Euphorbia miliiSN|23360]]SN|23360]] seems to occur in a variety of bush and forest habitats, but always on rocks (usually granite formations). It is threatened by habitat degradation, fire and collection for the horticultural trade.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Euphorbia milii
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii Des Moul.Bull. Hist. Nat. Soc. Linn. Bordeaux 1: 27 1826Synonymy: 12
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. bevilaniensis (Croizat) Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5: 150 1955Synonymy: 3
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. hislopii (N.E.Br.) Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5: 148 1954Synonymy: 5
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. imperatae (Leandri) Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5: 150. 1954[1955] (nom. inval. Art. 36.1)Synonymy: 2
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. longifolia RauhKakteen Sukk. 18: 182-184, ills., 1967
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. roseana Marn.-Lap.Cactus (Paris) 73–74: 1 1962
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook.) Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5: 148 1954Synonymy: 8
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. tananarivae (Leandri) Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5:150 1955 5:150 1955Synonymy: 2
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. tenuispina Rauh & Razaf.Euphorbia J. 7: 34 (1991)
Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. tulearensis Ursch & LeandriMém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 5: 152. 1954Accepted name in llifle Database:Euphorbia milii var. vulcani LeandriNotul. Syst. (Paris) 12: 159. 1946 (nom. inval. Art. 36.1)
Cultivars
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Common Names include:
ENGLISH: Siamese Lucky Plant, Christ's plant, Christ plant, Crown-of-thorns, Christ's thorn
ARABIC ( لعربية ): فربيون شوكة المسيح, ايفوربيا شوكة المسيح
BULGARIAN (Български): Исусов венец, Трънен венец, Христов венец
CATALAN (Català): Corona d'espines, Lletrera espinosa, Sang de Crist, Corona de Crist, Espines del Bon Jesús
CHINESE (中文): 萬年刺 (Wàn nián cì), 虎刺梅, 鐵海棠 (Tiě hǎi táng), 番仔刺 (Fān zǐ cì), 麒 麟花 (Qílín huā), 花麒麟 (Huā qí lín), 猩猩草 (Xīng xīng cǎo)
CZECH (Čeština): Kristova koruna, Pryšec zářivý
DANISH (Dansk): Kristi tornekrone
FRENCH (Français): Euphorbe écarlate, Couronne du Christ, Couronne d'épines, Euphorbe de Milius, épine du Christ
GERMAN (Deutsch): Christusdorn, Chrustusdorn
GREEK (Ελληνικά): Εφόρμπια (Efórmpia), Αγκάθι του Χριστού (Ankáthi tou Christoú)
ITALIAN (Italiano): Corona di spine, Spina di Cristo
JAPANESE (日本語): 花麒麟 (Hanakirin), 麒麟花 (Kirin hana), 鐵海棠 (Tetsu kaidō), 花麒麟 (Shōjōsō), ショウジョウソ ウ (Shoujou sou), ハナキリン
KURDISH (كوردی / Kurdî): دڕکی مەسیح یان تاجی دڕکاویی, دڕکی مەسیح
LITHUANIAN (Lietuvių): Dygliuotoji karpažolė
LOWER SORBIAN (Dolnoserbski): Kristusowy śerń
MALAYALAM (മലയാളം): യൂഫോർബിയ
PORTUGUESE (Português): Martírios (Brazil), Coroa-de-espinho (Brazil), Coroa-de-Cristo (Brazil), Bem-casados (Brazil), Dois Irmãos (Brasil), Colchão de Noiva (Brasil), Coroa-de-Nossa-Senhora (Brasil), Duas Amigas (Brasil)
RUSSIAN (Русский): Молочай Миля, Молочай прекрасный (Molochai prekrasnyj), Эуфорбия Миля (Euforbiya Milya)
SPANISH (Español): Corona de Cristo, Gracia de Dios (Cuba), Tú-y-yo (Cuba), Espinas de Cristo, Corona de espinas
SWEDISH (Svenska): Kristi törnekrona
TAMIL (தமிழ்): ஐங்கோண கள்ளி Ainkōṇa kaḷḷi
THAI (ภาษาไทย): ว่าน เข็มพญาอินทร์ Waan khem phayaa in (Chiang Mai), ว่าน มุงเมือง Waan mung mueang (Mae Hong Son), โป๊ยเซียน (พืช), ระวิงระไว Rawing rawai, พระเจ้ารอบโลก (Prajiao roplohk) Phrachao roplok, โป๊ยเซียน Poi sian, ไม้ รับแขก Mai rap khaek (Central Thailand)
UPPER SORBIAN (Hornjoserbsce): Chrystowy ćerń
VIETNAMESE (Tiếng Việt): Xương rắn, Xương rồng tàu.
Description: Euphorbia miliiSN|23360]]SN|23360]] (crown of thorns, Christ plant, Christ thorn) is a thorny, much branched, semi-succulent shrub to ca. 1.5-1.8 m tall, branches covered with spines. It is semi-prostrate or somewhat climbing and quickly forms a low dense hedge which can be easily trimmed without harming the plant. It is widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental for the bright red bracts that resemble, from a distance, geraniums. Bracts of this beautiful shrub—which is seldom out of bloom—come naturally in bright red, but in cultivation it is available in all warm colours, including red, yellow, coral, and cream. The species name commemorates Baron Milius, once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821. It is suspected that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times, and legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the crucifixion. There are a number of varieties (at least eleven) of which var. splendens is the most popularly cultivated.
Stems: Cylindrical, 5-7 sided, with many prominent grey spines. Up to 60-90 cm long and ca.1 cm in diameter, bark greyish brown or purplish-brown. The sap is moderately poisonous.
Leaves: Alternate, spirally arranged on the stem, crowded near the branch tips on new growth, simple, dark green to greyish green, obovate (wider near the tip), spatulate or lanceolate, 1-5(-6) cm long and ca 1.5-2 cm broad, margins entire. They are deciduous in summer during the dry season, but often evergreen in cultivation.
Stipular spines: Straight, slender, 1-2(-3) cm long. The spines help Euphorbia miliiSN|23360]]SN|23360]] scramble over other plants.
Flowers: Unisexual (plants monoecious), in clusters of cup-shaped structures known as "cyathia." Cyathium sessile ca. 6 × 8 mm. Each cluster is subtended by a pair of conspicuous brilliant red (rarely yellow) petaloid bracts (cyathophylls), broadly ovate beneath or subcircular, ca. 12-15 mm across.
Staminate flowers: Numerous in each cyathium. Calyx absent. Corolla absent. Stamen 1.
Pistillate flowers: 1 per cyathium. Calyx absent. Corolla absent.
Blooming season: It flowers all year round whenever conditions become favourable, but are at their best in dry, sunny weather especially before corning into leaf.
Fruit (capsule): 1 seeded.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Euphorbia milii group
- Euphorbia milii Des Moul.: is a semi-prostrate shrub to ca. 1.5-1.8 m tall. Stems ca.1 cm in diameter. Leaves obovate ca 1.5-2 cm broad, margins entire. Spines 1-2(-3) cm long. Cyathophylls brilliant red.
- Euphorbia milii var. bevilaniensis (Croizat) Ursch & Leandri: has inverted triangular leaves, shoots about 5 mm in diameter and up to 1 cm long thorns. Distribution: Southern Madagascar (between Anosy and Adroy District) on gneiss rocks.
- Euphorbia milii var. hislopii (N.E.Br.) Ursch & Leandri: is sturdy robust plant, up to 2 m tall. Stems erect sparsely branched, ca. 2 cm thick; leaves to c. 12 × 3 cm, lanceolate, cyathophylls, and both red and yellow. Distribution: Central Madagascar. Known only in culture (as a hedge plant).
- Euphorbia milii var. imperatae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri: forms small shrubs (up to 50 cm large) with only 5 mm thick branches, leaves ovate, to 10-7 cm. Inflorescence short only 1-or 2- flowered. Cyathophylls yellow, tending to fade to a slightly pink tint. Distribution: Eastern Madagascar in coastal forests.
- Euphorbia milii var. longifolia Rauh: ha basally branching branches up to 2 cm thick, leaves lineaar to 20x1 cm, cyathophylls large and yellow. Distributiom: Central Madagascar on granite rocks. and differs mainly by
- Euphorbia milii f. lutea Leandri: has small, variably yellow flowers, up to 1.2 cm broad.
- Euphorbia milii var. roseana Marn.-Lap.: has upright branches, leaves lanceolate, to 9 x 2.5 cm, inflorescences bifurcate, cyathophylls whitish yellow. Central southern Madagascar (Sakaraha) in forests.
- Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook.) Ursch & Leandri: forms larger shrubs (up to 2 m tall ). stems sprawling with spreading branches, ca. 1 cm thick; bright green leaves to ca. 6 × 2 cm, ovate. Spines basally compressed and sometimes yellow cyathophylls. Distribution: Central Madagascar.
- Euphorbia milii var. tananarivae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri: forms large shrubs up to 2 m, to 3 cm thick branches and up to 8 × 10 mm yellow, red-rimmed cyathophylls. Distribution: Central Madagascar. Known only in culture (as a hedge plant).
- Euphorbia milii var. tenuispina Rauh & Razaf.: has very slender spines thickened and bulbous at the base. Distribution: Southern Madagascar (in the mountains around Ihosy and Isalo ).
- Euphorbia milii var. tulearensis Ursch & Leandri: has smaller, up to 1 cm long thorns and bright red cyathophylls. Distribution: South-western Madagascar (at Toliara).
- Euphorbia milii var. vulcani Leandri: has bluish-green, to 20 × 5 cm large leaves, spines about 1 cm long, arranged in ten rows. Inflorescences long, four times bifurcated. Central to southern Madagascar (between Betafo and Ambatofinandrahana).
- Euphorbia milii cv. antafikiensis: has yellow-white cyathophylls with green cyathia, and dark green leaves. It is known in cultivation only.
Notes: Most commercially available varieties are hybrids. Euphorbia lophogonaSN|23360]]SN|21544]] is the most common partner in hybridization and easily hybrid seedlings arise randomly, when the plants are in collections close together. These hybrid are designated as Euphorbia x lomi.
A first group of this hybrids known as 'California hybrids' is characterized by interrupted crests of spines along the stems, which are intermediate between the paired spines of E. milii and the continuous spine-rows of Euphorbia lophogonaSN|21544]]SN|21544]].
A second group hybrids between E.milii and Euphorbia lophogona known as the 'Heidelberger hybrids' derives from natural plants found by Werner Rauh , who was a professor at the University of Heidelberg, about 50 km north of Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin). Compared to the California hybrids the Heidelberger hybrids have thinner stems and smaller but thicker leaves.
A third group known as 'Poysean hybrids', characterized by very large cyathophylls, has been developed in Thailand. Their origin is unknown, but the conjecture suggests that one of the parents may be Euphorbia miliiSN|21544]]SN|23360]] var tananarivae. In Thailand and other Asian countries these plants are regarded as bringing good fortune (lucky plants)
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures.
1) Urs Eggli, “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Dicotyledons” Springer Science & Business Media, 2002
2) Debra Lee Baldwin, “Succulent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays with 350 Easy-Care Plants” Timber Press, 20/Jan/2010
3) Conley K. McMullen, “Flowering Plants of the Galápagos” Cornell University Press, 1999
4) Werner Rauh, Herman Schwartz “Succulent and xerophytic plants of Madagascar” Volume 2 Strawberry Press, 1998
5) Huxley, A. “New RHS Dictionary of Gardening” 1992
6) Burkill, H.M. “The useful plants of west tropical Africa” Vol 2 1985.
7) S. Carter & L.C. Leach “Flora Zambesica” Vol 9 Part 5 2001
8) Bailey, L.H.. “Manual of cultivated plants” The McMillan Co., New York. 1949.
9) Huxley, A., M. Griffiths, and M. Levy (eds). “The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening” Vol. 2. Grove’s Dictionaries Inc., New York. 1999.
10) Jankalski, S. “Crown of thorns hybrids past and present” . Cact. Succ. J. (US). 72:202 - 204. 2000.
11) Smoley, R. “Giant-flowered Euphorbia milii hybrids” Cact. Succ. J. (US). 72:198-200 2000.
12) John McLaughlin and Joe Garofalo “Crown - of – Thorns (Euphorbia milii)” Publications for the residents of Miami-Dade County. Fact-sheet No. 65. Printed 4 2002
13) Haevermans, T. 2004. Euphorbia milii. "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species." Version 2014.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 09 July 2014
14) Forest & Kim Starr “(Euphorbia milii (Crown of thorns, christ's thorn)”. Plants of Hawaii. <http://www.starrenvironmental.com>. Web. 27 Sep. 2014.
Flowers and leaves at Oakwood Lakes Boynton Beach, Florida. September 22, 2009. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Euphorbia milii Photo by: Carolina González Flowering habit at Iao Tropical Gardens of Maui, Maui, Hawaii (USA). May 22, 2012. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Euphorbia milii Photo by: K.k. Agrawal Flowers at Kula Botanical Garden, Maui, Hawaii (USA). March 07, 2011. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Flowers and leaves at Walmart Kahului, Maui, Hawaii (USA). January 17, 2008. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Flowers and leaves at Kula Ace Hardware and Nursery, Maui, Hawaii (USA). September 06, 2007. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Thorns at Sacred Garden of Maliko, Maui, Hawaii (USA). January 24, 2011. Photo by: Forest Starr & Kim Starr Cultivation and Propagation: Euphorbia milii is widely cultivated as an ornamental, and is a particular favourite houseplants. Cultivation of this plant is the same as that for the other shrubby varieties of Euphorbia from tropical areas (Madagascar, and central Africa), but it is one the easiest of all.
Growth rate: It is a relatively fast growing species.
Exposure: Full sun to lit shade appears to be the optimum range, but can tolerate the most shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun.
Wind and salt tolerance: This species is particularly tolerant of seaside conditions and salt spray, making it an excellent choice for planting along the coasts.
Waterings: Relatively flexible in its watering requirements. They can be watered regularly as long as the medium is open and well drained. As with any normal plant when watering, it is best to do so thoroughly, until a little water comes out through the drain holes. Allow the medium to dry out somewhat between waterings. Reduce watering to once every 1 month during winter. Space plants apart to allow air movement between branches and leaves. This will help with evaporation of extra water droplets collected during watering.
Soil: The ideal potting-medium is one with good moisture-retaining capacity but open and well drained with some extra manure for added nutrition.
Fertilization: Regular fertilizing with low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium ratios are preferred. Feed during spring and summer to mid autumn and withhold feeding during winter.
Maintenance: Tall plant will benefit from being staked, with bamboo or other suitable stakes. In the absence of staking, the stems of the plants may snap under the weight.
Hardiness: Very tender, protect from frost. As the natural way they need in winter at least 12 to 15 °, with adequate irrigation but have no problems with it, to stand next to radiators.
Pest and diseases: Mildew can occur in high humidity.
Propagation: Cuttings It is recommend taking Euphorbia cuttings in Spring/Summer when the plant is growing so that they have a better chance of success. They key is heat & good air circulation. These cuttings should be dipped in Hormone powder (but it is not needed) and left for a period of 3-4 weeks to callous. Then pot the cutting and don't water ( or kept slightly moist) until rooted. These will root just fine, if you can put the pot outside in the summer, or put pot on a heating pad.
Warning: The milky sap produced by this shrub has been known to cause burning and blistering of the skin, and even temporary blindness, and death may result if any of its parts are eaten. All of these problems can be avoided if care is taken when handling the plant.