Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a succulent, cactus-like plant that is native to Madagascar. It’s adaption to warm temperatures year round makes it an ideal houseplant, and it is also grown as a garden flower in Florida and other Southern states. The name comes from a legend associating the plant with the crown of thorns worn by Christ in the Bible. The plant has sharp pointed thorns about ½ inch long. It grows to be about 1-2 feet (30-60 centimeters) tall normally, but consistent warm temperatures can make it bigger. The flowers are usually bright red, pink or white. Like all members of the Euphorbia family, crown of thorns flowers grow in a cyathium, a cluster of minimally developed male and female flowers. In E. milii the cyathium appears as a group of small stems surrounded by two large petal-like bracts.
Euphorbia species, often called spurges, are toxic to humans and pets. Poisonous chemicals are strongest in the milky white sap that is referred to as latex, but any part of the cut plant can cause symptoms. One of the toxins has been identified as phorbol esters, a chemical which can affect protein and enzyme production throughout the body. Skin contact with the latex causes irritation while ingestion leads to gastrointestinal upset with vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Phorbol esters also has carcinogenic properties that promote tumor formation. Crown of thorns has a bitter taste that is unpleasant to dogs, so ingestion is rare, and the thorns also help to keep animals from getting too close. A skin wound from one of the thorns will not cause poisoning, although care should be taken to keep it from becoming infected. However broken stems or leaves with leaking sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis upon contact. Inflammation is most painful in the mucous membrane of the mouth, eyes, and nose, and severe eye exposure can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Crown of thorns is a southern garden plant that is often grown as a houseplant in colder climates. The plant has a milky white sap that is toxic to humans and dogs. Skin contact causes irritation and dermatitis. Gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with ingestion.