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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid,
very humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
cacti, succulents
Height
:
0.5 m-2 m
Spread
:
0.5 m-1.5 m
Foliage
:
semi-evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright red
Size
:
1.3 cm
Period
:
February - April
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.4 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous
This succulent is native to Madagascar: it is often seen in Arriyadh in planters, usually with the
intention of forming a barrier. Its edged stems are fleshy and able to store water while the foliage
is not thickened. The obovate, dark-green leaves are found on new growth only. Male and female
flowers are borne on the same plant, but both are inconspicuous. Nevertheless, a burst of colour
is shown in spring by bright-red bracts. Sparse flowering appears during the other seasons too. It
is attractive all year round for its strange appearance of thorny shoots that made it deserve the
common name Crown of Thorns. Injured plants exude a milky, poisonous sap that can irritate
skin. Pruning is not necessary, but is carried out to multiply the plant by cuttings. For this purpo-
se, tips of 10 cm length are cut and placed in water until the sap stops flowing. Afterwards, they
should be allowed to dry before being dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a mix of sand,
perlite and humus. Excellent drainage is essential for mature plants too, since both waterlogging
and overwatering by sprinklers kill the plant, especially in winter. Partial sun suits it best and
extends the lifespan of the foliage. Drought is tolerated when the plants are established, but it also
limits the endurance of the leaves. Slow-releasing fertilisers can be applied in spring to ensure a
healthy appearance and an impressive floral display. Scale insects may infest plants on inappro-
priate sites. Frosts are not tolerated and immediately damage the foliage.
140
Euphorbia milii var. splendens,
Euphorbiaceae
Crown of Thorns