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Madagascar marvel
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`Euphorbia Milii' is a spiny shrub used to decorate hedges, terraces and windowsills
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COMMONLY CALLED `crown of thorns' or Christ plant, Euphorbia Milii splendens is a spiny succulent shrub growing up to 50-60 cms in height, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. This plant from Madagascar is one of the most popular Euphorbia.
This is a dense shrub with thin brown stems armed on all sides and at frequent intervals with one 1cm-long, sharp thorns. Cluster of green oval-shaped, about four 4cm-long, leaves are produced near the growing tips of stems, which last for several months before dropping off.
Old leaves are not replaced and new ones will appear only on new terminal growth.
Flowers are tiny, each surrounded by a pair of one-cm long, kidney-shaped bright red, white or yellow bracts, which look like petals. Cluster of these paired flower-like bracts appear on stalks at the tip of the spiny stems. Flowering lasts throughout the summer. But growing can be continuous if plants get exceptionally good light.
Propagation is by stem cutting. Since Euphorbia Milii is one of the spiniest houseplants, care should be taken while taking cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry for one day before planting.
Soil should be permeable, made up of ordinary garden soil, rich compost and sand. Water moderately.
Remove the tips from the young plant to encourage branching. The plant has white latex that flows freely if the plant is cut or damaged. Stop it by wetting the wound as water helps the latex to coagulate. The latex can irritate the skin.
Euphorbia milli is ideal to decorate hedges, terraces and veranda in summer. Indoors, it thrives well on windowsill in small pots.
CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN
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