Thanks everyone for your posts. The "crown of thorns" is correct. It comes from the "spurge" family which also includes poinsettas, castor beans, rubber type plants and cassava (which tapioca comes from the roots). The white sap can effect certain people with sensative skin, almost resembling poison ivy rash. Also this sap is poisonous to fish, so do not plant near fish pools or ponds.
The sap has been said to be used on arrow tips.
Crown of thorns legend say's this was the plant used to wrap around Christ's head at the time of his crucifixion. The plant is native to Madagascar and has been said to arrive in the Middle East before Christ.
It's a slow starting plant, but once established really grows well. Flowers (for us) most of the year, salt tolerant.
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