Euphorbia milii, commonly known as Crown of Thorns, is a spiny succulent shrub typically growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, though older plants may grow larger.

Growth Form

• Compact, branching shrub

• Thick, fleshy stems

• Dense clusters when mature

• Contains milky latex sap

Stems

• Gray to brown

• Succulent and water-storing

• Covered with sharp, rigid thorns

Leaves

• Simple and oval

• Bright green

• 1-3 inches long

• Leaves may be sparse on older stems.

Flowers

• Small and inconspicuous true flowers

• Surrounded by bright red, pink, yellow, or white bracts

• Bracts are the showy part

• Blooms intermittently year-round in warm climates

Fruit

• Small ridged capsule

• Splits when mature