Euphorbia milii

E. milii is a woody, succulent subshrub or shrub growing up to tall, depending on cultivar, with densely spiny stems. Some varieties grow in a more horizontal, sprawling, or prostrate manner, while others grow nearly vertically. Certain cultivars are prized for their thinner stems, while many, especially the Thai hybrids, have considerably thicker, substantial stems, measuring several inches in diameter. Just as the flowers and growth habit can vary by cultivar, so too can the sharpness/bluntness or shape and consistency of the spines. On most varieties, the spines will measure up to long, and aid the plant in scrambling over other plants, eventually forming a dense and impenetrable wall. The fleshy, green leaves are found mainly on new growth, The plant thrives between spring and summer but produces flowers all year round. Extrafloral nectaries at the involucre were first reported on E. milii by Teng and Hu 2002. ==Toxicity==

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. The poisonous ingredients have been identified as phorbol esters. It is very toxic to domesticated animals such as, horses, sheep, cats and dogs. For humans it is mildly toxic and only acts as an irritant. ==Uses==

Pesticide 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. Especially in endemic countries. Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease from freshwater parasites, carried by snails. Extracts from the plant are used to control the snail population to avoid getting infected from a parasite. ==Varieties==

E. milii is a variable species, and several varieties have been described; some of these are treated as distinct species by some authors. E. milii var. splendens (syn. E. splendens) is considered to be the living embodiment of the supreme deity in Bathouism, a minority religion practiced by the Bodo people of Eastern India and Nepal. • Euphorbia milii var. bevilaniensis (Croizat) Ursch & Leandri 1955 • Euphorbia milii var. hislopii (N.E.Br.) Ursch & Leandri 1955 (syn. E. hislopii) • Euphorbia milii var. imperatae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955 • Euphorbia milii var. longifolia Rauh 1967 • Euphorbia milii var. milii • Euphorbia milii var. roseana Marn.-Lap. 1962 • Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook.) Ursch & Leandri 1955 • Euphorbia milii var. tananarivae (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955 • Euphorbia milii var. tenuispina Rauh & Razaf. 1991 • Euphorbia milii var. tulearensis Ursch & Leandri 1955 • Euphorbia milii var. vulcanii (Leandri) Ursch & Leandri 1955 ==Cultivation==

Euphorbia milii can be propagated from cuttings. E. milii is not hardy, and does not tolerate temperatures below . In temperate areas it needs to be grown under glass in full sun. During the summer it may be placed outside in a sheltered spot, when all risk of frost is absent. The species ==Gallery==

File:Christ thorn flowers just opening.jpg|Christ thorn inflorescences (cyathia) opening Christ thorn flower close up view.jpg|Christ thorn inflorescence (cyathium) close up view Image:Euphorbiamilli.jpg|Euphorbia milii var splendens Image:E milii vulcanii ies.jpg|Euphorbia milii var. vulcanii Image:Euphorbia milii var.milii.JPG|Euphorbia milii var. milii Image:Cyathium cross1 ies.jpg|Longitudinal section of the cyathium File:Euphorbia milii buds.jpg|Flower buds of crown-of-thorns (Euphorbia milii). File:Infected euphorbia flower.jpg|Infected euphorbia inflorescences (cyathia) EUPHORBIAMILII.jpg|Euphorbia milii from Kerala, India File:Euphorbia milii bd3.jpg|Thorns of Euphorbia milii. File:Leaf of Euphorbia milii.jpg|Leaf of Euphorbia milii from the back. File:Euphorbia milii from Haryana, India.jpg|Euphoria milii from Haryana, India ==References==