Euphorbia Milli - Christ Thorn Popcorn 2,5L

It is a woody succulent subshrub or shrub growing to 1.8 m tall, with densely spiny stems. The straight, slender spines, up to 3 cm long, help it scramble over other plants. The fleshy, green leaves are found mainly on new growth, and are up to 3.5 cm long and 1.5 cm broad. The flowers are small, subtended by a pair of conspicuous petal-like bracts, variably red, pink or white, up to 12 mm broad. Wat Phrik in Thailand claims to be the home of the world's tallest Christ thorn plant. The plant thrives between spring and summer but produces flowers all year round.

The sap is moderately poisonous, and causes irritation on contact with skin or eyes. If ingested, it causes severe stomach pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, and vomiting. The poisonous ingredients have been identified as phorbol esters. It is very toxic to domesticated animals such as, horses, sheep, cats and dogs. For humans it is mildly toxic and only acts as an irritant.

The plant itself has proven to be an effective molluscicide and a natural alternative to pest control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the usage of Euphorbia milii in aiding snail control. Especially in endemic countries. Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease from freshwater parasites, carried by snails. Extracts from the plant are used to control the snail population to avoid getting infected from a parasite.