Crown of Thorns
ExplorePlants
Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia
The Crown of Thorns is a unique plant with spiky stems and colorful flowers. It’s named for its thorny appearance, just like a crown!
Habitat: Dry, tropical areas
Appearance
The Crown of Thorns is a spiny, succulent shrub featuring woody stems densely covered in sharp, greyish-brown thorns. Its inconspicuous true flowers are encircled by vibrant, petal-like bracts, typically bright red, pink, or yellow, creating a striking visual against its green leaves.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusEuphorbia
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even though it looks spiky like a cactus, it's actually a succulent plant!
In its wild home, this plant can grow into a woody shrub over six feet tall!
Its common name comes from a belief it was used in the biblical Crown of Thorns!
The plant's vibrant 'flowers' are actually special leaves called bracts, not true petals!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiky Armor
Crown of Thorns has super sharp thorns covering its stems that help it defend against hungry animals trying to take a bite.
Ability
Water Tank Stems
Crown of Thorns can store water in its thick, succulent stems, allowing it to survive long periods without rain.
Ability
Sticky Shield Sap
Crown of Thorns produces a milky, irritating sap that oozes when cut, helping to protect it from pests.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-180 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Collects pollen and nectar.
pollinates
Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta
Feeds on nectar.
Traits
Everblooming
Everblooming plants produce flowers continuously or in repeated flushes over a long period.
Thorny Stem
Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
Christ PlantEuphorbia Crown of ThornsEuphorbia milii
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Crown of Thorns?
60-180 cm
How wide does Crown of Thorns spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Crown of Thorns?
1-2.5 cm
When does Crown of Thorns bloom?
Year-round
Is Crown of Thorns edible?
No
Is Crown of Thorns toxic?
Moderate
What is Crown of Thorns's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Crown of Thorns pollinated?
Insect
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