Euphorbia milii

Christ Thorn, Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant

Message of the Flower

Concentration

The Mother’s Comment

Does not aim at effect, but simple and persistent.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

It is well known that the value of a man is in proportion to his capacity of concentrated attention, the greater the concentration the more exceptional is the result, to the extent that a perfect and unfailing concentrated attention sets the stamp of genius on what is produced.

The Mother, On Education: Concentration and Dispersion

Concentration is a state one must be in continuously, whatever the outer activity. By concentration I mean that all the energy, all the will, all the aspiration must be turned only towards the Divine and His integral realisation in our consciousness.

The Mother, Some Answers from the Mother: Letters to a Young Sadhak - VI

Our one objective must be the Divine himself to whom, knowingly or unknowingly, something always aspires in our secret nature. There must be a large, many-sided yet single concentration of the thought on the idea, the perception, the vision, the awakening touch, the soul's realisation of the one Divine. There must be a flaming concentration of the heart on the seeking of the All and Eternal and, when once we have found him, a deep plunging and immersion in the possession and ecstasy of the All-Beautiful. There must be a strong and immovable concentration of the will on the attainment and fulfilment of all that the Divine is and a free and plastic opening of it to all that he intends to manifest in us.

Sri Aurobindo, The Synthesis of Yoga - I: Self-Consecration

Colour

Red, pink, yellow, and white are common colors for the bracts surrounding the true flowers

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Cultivars

Numerous, including 'Dwarf Apache', 'Giant Pink', 'Short and Sweet'

Person who named the flower

Described by Charles Plumier; named after Baron Milius, once governor of Reunion

Flower Size

The true flowers are small; the colorful bracts can be up to an inch across

Flower Texture

Waxy

Number of Petals

True flowers have no petals; bracts mimic the appearance of petals

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Generally lacks fragrance

Leaf Texture

Smooth, occasionally glossy

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with a reddish tint under stress

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Thorny shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Can flower year-round in optimal conditions, with peaks in warmer months

Climate

Tropical and subtropical.

Water Requirements

Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Soil Type

Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils preferred

Temperature Ranges

Prefers temperatures above 60F (16C); not frost-tolerant

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal diseases in poor conditions

Pollinators

Attracts few pollinators due to the small size and inconspicuous nature of the true flowers

Habitat

Native to Madagascar; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions

Role in the Ecosystem

Primarily ornamental; limited ecological role in non-native habitats

Ornamental

Highly valued for its drought tolerance, long blooming period, and striking appearance

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly decorative; limited use in traditional medicine

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered; widely cultivated.