Euphorbia milii

Euphorbia milii, the crown of thorns, Christ plant, or Christ's thorn, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar. The species name commemorates Baron Milius, once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821.

The native Malagasy name for this plant is songosongo also applied to several other Euphorbia species. It is imagined that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times, and legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. It is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant that can be grown in warmer climates. The common English name is due to the thorns and deep red bracts referring to the crown thorn Jesus had to wear during his crucifixion and his blood.