Euphorbia milii (Euphorbia) - Sikkim Flora

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae

Phylum:         

Class:              Magnoliopsida

Order:            Malpighiales

Family:           Euphorbiaceae
Genus:            Euphorbia

Species:          E. milii

Binomial name: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.

Other Names:  crown of thorns, Christ plant, Christ thorn

Special feature: It is a native to to Madagascar.

Euphorbus was the Greek physician of King Juba II (about 50 BC to 19 AD) of Numidia (present day Algeria).  King Juba II was the first person to find a succulent-type Euphorbia, and he named it after his physician. {Source: faculty.ucc.edu}

 

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. 

The sap is moderately poisonous, and causes irritation on contact with skin or eyes. If ingested, it causes severe stomach pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, and vomiting. (Source: Wikipedia)