Originating from Madagascar, the holy-sounding succulent's name comes from its history in the Middle East, as well as the belief that it was part of Jesus Christ's crown of thorns at the crucifixion.

Ista est una spinea corone Domini nostril Ihesu Christi', reads the enamel label: 'This is a thorn from the crown of our Lord Jesus Christ'. It is, I think, impossible to exaggerate how powerfully ...