Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
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
RĂ©union, 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)
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)