Crown of Thorns Cactus

Member of Euphorbiaceae family

Blooms in winter and early spring

I saw this unusual cactus last summer at Zilker Park Botanical Park in Austin, Texas. It is a succulent which does well in large pots. It grows to about 4 ft. tall.

The Crown of Thorns requires full sun and is drought tolerant. It can have yellow or red flowers. Click on the picture for a look at its wicked looking stems. The stems contain a white milky substance which will irritate the skin if touched.

There is a legend of this plant. The Legend goes that the flowers of this plant were originally white. Once the stems of the plant were used as a crown of thorns which was placed on the head of JESUS, the flowers turned red representing the blood HE shed. It's just a legend, but reminds us of HIS great sacrifice.

Then came JESUS forth wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

John 19:5