An extremely diverse-looking genus of mostly tropical and subtropical succulent plants. For Euphorbus, corpulent Greek physician of Juba II, King of Mauretania. Literally, “euphorbia” means “well-fed”
Species
milii
Named for Baron Milius, once governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France
The crown of thorns looks more like a rose bush on steroids than a cactus-like euphorbia,
but a euphorbia it is. This red-flowering native of Madagascar is not found in the wild in North America
(although it may be becoming naturalized in Florida).
Cultivars of this plant are popular as house plants, with flowers (really modified leaves) that are
pink, yellow, white, and orange, as well as red.
Identification: This climbing shrub grows to 6′ (1.8 m) tall,
spewing densely spine-covered branches in every direction. The randomly curving branches are
in search of other plants, which the shrub uses to support itself as it grows. Branches are dark
and woody, not the green cactus-like color of many euphorbias. Flowers (actually bracts) are scarlet red.
Edibility: Poisonous All euphorbias can cause
dermatitis and are poisonous when ingested.