Euphorbia milii - Crowns of Thorns Plant - Plant India

Euphorbia milii, the crown of thorns, Christ plant, or Christ's thorn, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar. The native Malagasy name for this plant is songosongo also applied to several other Euphorbia species. It is imagined that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times, and legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. It is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant that can be grown in warmer climates. The common English name is due to the thorns and deep red bracts referring to the crown thorn Jesus had to wear during his crucifixion and his bloodThe flowers are small, subtended by a pair of conspicuous petal-like bracts, variably red, pink or white, up to 12 mm (0.47 in) broad. The sap is moderately poisonous and causes irritation on contact with the skin or eyes. If ingested, it causes severe stomach pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, and vomiting. The poisonous ingredients have been identified as phorbol esters. It is very toxic to domesticated animals such as, horses, sheep, cats and dogs. The plant itself has proven to be an effective molluscicide and a natural alternative to pest control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the usage of Euphorbia milii in aiding snail control. A black garden ant and other little Ants are attracted to nectar, which is rich in energy, and crawl into each flower to reach the nectar, which makes it less likely that they will effectively cross-pollinate the flowers at Tehatta, West Bengal; India on 01/12/2024.