In nature, Euphorbia milii uses thorns not for defense but to attach itself and support itself to other trees so that it can remain upright and reach greater heights without breaking.
IDENTIFICATION
Scientific name:
Euphorbia milii
Italian common name:
Crown of Christ or Thorn of Christ
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Origin:
Madagascar. Christ’s crown plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, where the average temperature is between 20 and 38 ℃.
Environment:
its natural habitat includes dry bushes, rocky areas and forest habitats. The plant prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate cold temperatures well. In colder seasons, it is recommended to keep the temperature between 18 and 24℃ to help the plant adapt.
Evergreen or deciduous:
deciduous
Toxicity:
Although it is a popular houseplant, Christ’s Crown is highly poisonous, with ingestion of any part causing moderate toxicity. Its sap contains harmful chemicals that can cause irritation to both the eyes and skin if not handled with caution. Contact with eyes may cause puffiness and swelling, and contact with skin will likely lead to dermatitis. Poisoning by ingestion can cause irritation and blistering of the mouth and throat, vomiting and abdominal pain. If the sap is ingested, it can cause temporary blindness. Poisoning occurs most often in children due to the bright, inviting flowers.
PLANT RECOGNITION
Height:
in its natural environment 90 cm – 2 m. With us it remains around 60 cm.
Width (extension):
the same goes for height. In its natural environment it reaches 2 m. With us, 60 cm is easier.
Habit:
erect, with many ramifications showing large sharp thorns.
Leaf:
lanceolate, bright green in color which are lost during the winter.
Flower:
Butterfly-shaped, the small flower is composed of two petals, then forms a small cluster, green in summer and red in winter
Flowering:
it can flower all year round, even in winter, if it has plenty of light and cool but not cold temperatures.
Fruit:
composed of three parts that expel the seeds at maturity
Stem:
it has multiple semi-woody stems (lignified only in very old specimens and only near the ground) with greyish bark which, rising and branching repeatedly, give the plant a rather regular and compact shape. Fleshy and succulent, erect, branched, thorny. The thorns can even reach 5 cm
Property:
In the past they tried to use it for treatment, but then it wasn’t used anymore probably because it didn’t bring any benefit.
Perfume:
light
NEED
Maintenance:
Low.
Light Exposure:
Full sun. Too much heat and too cold can cause flowers and leaves to fall, but the plant survives thanks to its thorny stem which stores the water necessary for survival.
Soil type:
typical of cacti
Soil acidity:
pH 6 – 7
Italian climatic area:
It does not grow spontaneously, but only cultivated for sale.
The plant fears strong temperature changes and sudden changes in exposure which can cause the foliage to fall. Loves the sun and warm climates; it does not tolerate intense frost and must be kept away from cold drafts.
At home it prefers a lot of light and a cool climate; on balconies and gardens it can also live well in sunny positions.
Need for water:
It does not fear the summer heat and is resistant to drought, although a lack of water can cause the flowers and leaves to fall, which reform when the roots find sufficient humidity.
Propagation:
seed and cutting
Illnesses:
the plants can be susceptible to attacks by aphids and scale insects, they must be checked regularly and possibly treated with a natural insecticide or isopropyl alcohol, to be applied with a cotton ball. Like and more than other plants, it cannot tolerate water stagnation. If you notice signs of rot, it is a good idea to reduce watering and check if the soil needs to be changed to improve drainage.
Pruning:
It is important to keep the plant healthy and promote lush growth. Remove old or dead branches and any withered flowers to stimulate new blooms. Carry out pruning in early spring or after the end of the flowering period.
PARTICULARITY 
The name of the species derives from Pierre Bernard Milius, governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821. According to the myth, the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times and was used in the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of Jesus Christ during the events that led to the crucifixion.
It is commonly known as the crown of Christ or the thorn of Christ due to the thorns and red flowers that evoke drops of blood.
If you want to learn more about this plant you can go here Viridea
Annotations
In nature, Euphorbia milii uses thorns not for defense but to attach itself and support itself to other trees so that it can remain upright and reach greater heights without breaking.
An ideal plant for decorating any environment because, in addition to being very simple in cultivation, its blooms are very showy, long-lasting and generous: if kept in a temperate climate and watered regularly it will be able to color your days several months a year.
It is also a symbol of hope, fortitude and courage; expresses the ability to find strength and beauty by overcoming adversity.
In the kitchen:
it is not used.
THE MONDO DEL GIARDINO ADVICE
It is a plant that truly gives great satisfaction. However, remember to handle it with gloves and keep it out of the reach of animals and children.
Now on horseback! Work awaits us! Our new wonderful outdoor space is about to be born!
GOOD WORK and…if you have any questions, write to info@ilmondodelgiardino.com
Image sources: Many thanks to photographer Bart Wursten – photos at Lake Chivero Recreational Park on zimbabweflora.co.cz for the magnificent cover and end-of-article images, Artblog201 from Freepick for the social image and hartono subagio from Pixabay for the other images.
