Crown of thorns
© Egon Krogsgaard
© Egon Krogsgaard
Crown of thorns has most likely been given its name because of its long thorns and the intensely red “flowers,” which can resemble drops of blood.
The plant is native to Madagascar. It was first introduced to Israel after the time of Jesus. Therefore, the name is inspired by the plant’s thorny growth and red bracts and does not have any connection to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus.
Crown of thorns belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), just like the poinsettia. As in poinsettia, the true flowers are very small and yellowish. What is often perceived as blood-red petals are in fact bracts, which sit just below the flowers and form a striking contrast with the green foliage leaves..
Fact box:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Kristi tornekrone
- Latin name: Euphorbia milii
- Family: Spurge family / Euphorbiaceae
- Natural habitat: Madagascar