As they are pliable, the stems conceivably could be intertwined and shaped into a circle. The plant’s name alludes to the legend that at His crucifixion, a wreath or crown made from stems of this plant was placed on the head of Christ. The sap, as well as its sharp thorns, protects the Crown of Thorns from animals that otherwise would devour the plant entirely. Since some people are susceptible to this latex and may develop a rash similar to that caused by poison ivy, it’s advisable to wear disposable gloves when handling the plant. The word “Spurge” comes from purge or expurgate, which refers to the fact that it is poisonous if the sticky white sap, or latex, is taken internally in large amounts. Most of these succulents have red bracts, but many varieties can be found in all the warm colors, including pink, coral and yellow. What we think of as flowers on Crown of Thorns plants actually are bracts, brightly colored modified leaves found beneath the small, inconspicuous flowers. Grown as a garden plant in warmer climates, in our area it is strictly a houseplant. At this height,one can assume that the thorns must be at least 30mm long and "very sharp."īelow is information I retrieved from :Įuphorbia milii, commonly known as Crown of Thorns, is a member of the Euphorbia, or Spurge family, which includes the poinsettia and castor bean plants. They are also very pointed and sharp.The plant is a climbing variety and will grow to a height of 1.8 metre. It is about 50mm in height, has yellow flowers and the thorns are already appearing up the whole stem, and measure about 5mm. I actually have a cutting of this plant which is in a pot (and growing).
![plant in wood soft thorns plant in wood soft thorns](https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/styles/species_banner/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Common_Prickly_Ash_Zanthoxylum_americanum.jpg)
The thorn plant that was used to make the "crown of thorns" which was placed upon the head of Jesus, is believed to be a plant called Euphorbia milii.