Definition

Noun: 1. A spiny shrub: A somewhat climbing, bushy plant of the spurge family (Euphorbia milii), native to Madagascar. It is characterized by long, woody, spiny stems, few leaves, and small flowers surrounded by showy, often scarlet, bracts.

Usage Notes

• "Christ thorn" is primarily used as a common name for this specific ornamental plant. It is often cultivated in gardens and as a houseplant in warmer climates.
• The name refers to the plant's long, sharp thorns, which legend associates with the crown of thorns placed on Jesus Christ.
• It is important to handle the plant with care, as its sap can be a skin irritant.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Christ thorn in the conservatory is blooming with brilliant red bracts.
  • Be careful when repotting the Christ thorn; its spines are very sharp.
  • He gave her a potted Christ thorn for her sunny windowsill.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: In botanical and gardening contexts, "Christ thorn" is used to describe the plant's growth habit, care requirements, and varieties (e.g., varieties with yellow or pink bracts).

Variants and Related Words

• Crown of thorns: A more common synonym for .
• Euphorbia milii: The scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
• Spurge: The common name for plants in the genus.

Synonyms

• Crown of thorns

Related Terms

• Succulent: A plant with thick, fleshy tissues adapted to water storage; is often categorized as a succulent.
• Bract: A modified leaf associated with a flower; the colorful parts of the Christ thorn are bracts, not petals.

Noun

1. somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bracts