Plants and mushrooms
Crown-of-thorns
| Common name |
|
Crown-of-thorns |
| Botanical name |
|
Euphorbia millii |
| Other common names |
|
- |
| Family |
|
Euphorbiaceae |
| General description |
|
A semi-succulent, small, spreading shrub with stout spines, grown as an ornamental. |
| Flowers |
|
The small flowers are bordered by erect heads of showy, saucer-shaped, red bracts. The flower stalks are sticky to touch. |
| Leaves |
|
The leaves are 2-6cm long, oblong in shape, thin in texture, occurring mostly on new growth. |
| Fruit/Berries |
|
- |
| Other |
|
The sap is copious and milky, and stout sharp spines occur on the stems |
| Symptoms |
|
The sap is reported as being corrosive to the skin and eyes, causing skin blisters and temporary blindness. The stout spines can also cause mechanical injury. |
| Toxicity category |
|
3 |
| Warning |
|
For all eye exposures by sap rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes. Then seek medical assistance. |
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