Euphorbia milii
Crown of thorns
Euphorbia milii, commonly known as the Crown of Thorns, is a resilient, succulent shrub prized for its striking, colorful bracts. While primarily grown as an ornamental plant, its milky latex possesses traditional medicinal properties. However, extreme caution is required, as the sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia milii
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia milii, is recognized by several different common names depending on the regional language and dialect. In Simplified Chinese (zh-hans) and mainland China (zh-cn), it is frequently referred to as 铁海棠, whereas in Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), it is widely called 虎刺梅. This same name, 虎刺梅, is also the standard designation used in Hong Kong (zh-hk) and Singapore (zh-sg).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 铁海棠 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 虎刺梅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 虎刺梅 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 铁海棠 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 虎刺梅 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 鐵海棠 | Wikidata |
| pt | Coroa-de-cristo | Wikidata |
| ru | Молочай Миля | Wikidata |
| ckb | دڕکی مەسیح | Wikidata |
| th | โป๊ยเซียน | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several distinct regions. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is noted specifically within Gambia. Moving toward the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found inhabiting both Comoros and Madagascar. The species also extends its reach into East Asia, specifically within China South-Central. Finally, its distribution includes the tropical island province of Hainan in China.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the Crown of Thorns, possesses distinct morphological features that are central to its characterization. The roots form a sturdy anchoring system that allows the succulent to thrive in arid conditions, absorbing necessary nutrients and moisture from the soil. Most notably, the plant contains a specialized internal substance known as latex, a milky, white sap that flows through its stems and leaves. This substance is a key identifying feature of the Euphorbia genus and is often noted for its caustic properties when it comes into contact with skin or eyes.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| latex | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia milii has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanin, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiac glycosides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Euphorbia milii has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Molluscicide.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Molluscicide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia milii has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Schistosomiasis, boils, infectious diseases, pain.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Schistosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| boils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |