Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3067157

Crown-of-Thorns

Euphorbia milii

Also known as Christ Plant, Christ's Thorn

Scattered with sharp, prominent spines along its succulent woody stems, Crown-of-Thorns produces year-round clusters of vivid red or pink modified leaf bracts enclosing tiny true flowers. Native to the rocky granite hills of Madagascar, this drought-tolerant shrub uses its dense stem armature to deter browsing herbivores in dry habitats. When clipped or damaged, stems exude a thick, caustic white latex that seals wounds and deters insect pests.

SucculentFloweringSpiny
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Soil nutrients
  • Water
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider mites
  • Scale insects
ThreatsHabitat loss in native Madagascar range
HabitatsRocky slopes, dry scrublands, tropical gardens
Life span10–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderMalpighiales
  2. FamilyEuphorbiaceae
  3. GenusEuphorbia
  4. SpeciesEuphorbia milii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Milky sap causes skin and eye irritation and is toxic if ingested; handle with gloves.
Why it is dangerous
Contains caustic diterpene esters in its milky latex, causing severe skin inflammation, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal toxicity if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by thick stems lined with long sharp thorns and bright red or yellow flower-like bracts that leak white sap when cut.
What to do
Wear thick gloves and eye protection when pruning or transplanting, and keep well away from curious pets and children.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning Safety: Wear heavy rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield skin and eyes from caustic white sap.
  • Light Requirements: Position in full sunlight for six or more hours daily to ensure abundant floral bract displays.
  • Watering Balance: Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Related species
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