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Crown
of
Thorns
Euphorbia milii
Ch. De Moulins
you-FORB-ee-ah
MILL-ee-eye
Euphorbiaceae
Explanation
of name:
The generic name is ancient. Milii for Baron Milius who introduced the
plant to cultivation (BA1).
Natural
range:
Madagascar
Recognition:
Semisucculent thorny (thorns paired, stipulate) shrub with milky sap. False
flowers (cyathia consisting of paired colorful bracts and tiny unisexual
flowers) usually bright red, or in some cultivars pinkish (‘Rhea’, ‘Rosy’),
yellowish (‘Yellow’), white (‘Marathon’), and bicolor.
The ‘Thai
Hybrid’ (Euphorbia Xlomi) cultivars have unusually large cyathia
in colors ranging from greenish through yellowish to red. Some cultivars are
dwarf.
Landscape
uses:
Much used in landscaping. Durable, abundantly flowering, usually bright-colored
bedding plants undemanding of water. Match the cultivar to the size and floral
(bract) color desired. Propagate by large cuttings. Allow the cut ends to heal
before placement in medium. Suffers from excessive watering.
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
|
Flowering season
|
Typical dimensions
|
Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
|
Problems |
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Euphorbia milii |
Crown of Thorns |
Exotic
|
Shrub
Bedding Plant |
Most of year
(PBCC) |
Depends on cultivar: 1’-5’ |
Adjust to size of cultivar:
2’-3’
(UFFPS205) |
SU-PS
ME-DR
WD!
AT
DT
ST
(PBCC) UFFPS205) |
Toxic, and irritating to some people
Rots if too wet |
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