How to identify Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)

How to identify Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)

Crown of thorns, also known as Christ thorn

Crown of thorns features as a deciduous, spiny perennial shrub with noticeable fleshy, bright green leaves. The plant boasts distinct greenish inflorescences surrounded by showy, long-lasting bracts that are typically red or yellow in color. Its stems are armed with thick, black spines. When cultivated indoors, it generally reaches a height of 2 feet (60 cm), and 3 feet (90 cm) when grown outdoors.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Crown of thorns

Fleshy, bright green leaves with smooth margins, appearing vibrant

Stems armed with thick, black spines, exhibiting a 5-6 sided shape

Greenish inflorescences with red or yellow bracts, blooming on long peduncles

Tiny, green, unisexual flowers enclosed in a 5-lobed involucre

Leaves typically 2 inches (5 cm) long, evergreen with wedge-shaped bases

Detailed Traits of Crown of thorns

Leaf Features

Crown of thorns features smooth-margined, non-succulent leaves, typically about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. The leaves have wedge-shaped bases and are produced on new stem growth. They are evergreen, contributing to the plant’s lush appearance. The texture is smooth, with a fresh, vibrant green color. Variegated cultivars may present additional patterns. These key features make the leaves of crown of thorns distinct and noticeable.

Leaf Shape

Oblanceolate ,

Elliptic ,

Obovate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acute ,

Obtuse ,

Mucronate

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of crown of thorns bloom throughout the year in tropical or sub-tropical regions, particularly in Spring and Summer. They are minuscule, green, and unisexual, enclosed in a 5-lobed involucre. These tiny flowers are borne in cymes, featuring showy red or yellow paired bracts. The bracts are ovate, about 1/3 inch (8-9 mm) in size. Blooming on long peduncles up to 2 inches (5 cm), they primarily appear in winter and spring in warm climates and from late winter through fall when grown indoors.

Corolla Type

Apetalous

Inflorescence Type

Dichasium ,

Cup-shaped cyme ,

Cymes

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Stem Features

The stems of crown of thorns are covered with sharp black spines that can grow up to 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) long. They are grey in color and exhibit an irregular branching pattern. The stems are distinguished by a 5-6 sided shape and contain a milky latex of low toxicity. These characteristics make the stems of crown of thorns easily identifiable, particularly due to their unique texture and appearance, aiding in their identification.

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Fruit Features

Fruit Type

Capsule

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Crown of thorns and Their Similar Plants

Poinsettia vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Petty spurge vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is an annual plant from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is fast-growing and has become invasive in some countries because it outcompetes other species for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Petty spurge latex is mildly toxic, has nevertheless attracted the attention of researchers in the US and Germany who hope to isolate useful compounds from it.

Spotted spurge vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a low-growing summer annual that is commonly considered a weed. Spotted spurge grows in almost any open area. The stems of this species secrete a milky sap that can irritate the skin and is toxic to sheep. Spotted spurge can be controlled by digging up the plant and its roots and mulching the area to prevent regrowth. It is naturally killed by frost.

Pencil cactus vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

Devil's-backbone vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

Cypress spurge vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

The cypress spurge is an ornamental plant native to Europe. Because of its strong tendency to overrun the habitats of other species, this plant is classified as a noxious weed in various states, including Colorado. Although this plant attracts bees and other pollinators, some sections of it are hazardous and contain irritants.

Mottled spurge vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea) is a spurge species native to tropical Asia, particularly in India. Mottled spurge is commonly planted as an ornamental species in tropical regions and grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. This species is also commonly known as dragon bones and is highly toxic if consumed.

Caper spurge vs. Crown of thorns: What's The Difference?

Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is most commonly known as an invasive weed. It is considered toxic to humans and almost all species of livestock. The exception to this is that some goats can eat caper spurge without becoming ill. However, the plant's toxins will be carried into the goat's milk, making it unfit for human consumption. The toxicity has been put to use, however, in deterring moles and gophers from invading gardens.

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Key Facts About Crown of thorns

Attributes of Crown of thorns

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

45 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.2 cm

Flower Color

Red

Yellow

Pink

White

Gold

Fruit Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Silver

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Crown of thorns

Highly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Crown of thorns

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Spurge

Genus

Spurges

Species

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)

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Distribution Map of Crown of thorns

Crown of thorns is native to Madagascar, where its native habitat includes dry thickets and rocky areas. It has been introduced in India, Southeast Asia, Bolivia, Central America, and Florida. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental or houseplant in warm climates. Crown of thorns is listed as invasive in Anguilla, and its dense thickets sometimes become invasive in native countries.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Crown of thorns How to Grow and Care for Crown of thorns