Golden Goblet — originally named Liam Thong in Thailand — is a very recent Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) hybrid. I renamed it Golden Goblet because of its deeply cupped bloom form, which truly resembles a yellow chalice. This cultivar was released only in 2024, and I was fortunate to be the first to introduce it to the US market. My initial release was small (around 6–10 plants), followed by another limited batch in the months after.
I continue to source Golden Goblet directly from the breeder’s garden, and I received a fresh shipment just recently.
Some concerned buyers reached out to let me know that other US sellers are offering what appears to be the same cultivar at much lower prices — often with only a single flower photo and no images of the actual plant they are selling. I completely understand why this creates confusion.
As much as I would love to offer my new collection at a lower price, my business model follows a simple rule: when a Thai hybrid is newly released in the US, its price reflects its rarity, limited distribution, and the cost of sourcing it directly from the breeder. Golden Goblet (Liam Thong) is still in that early stage.
Based on experience, I also have strong doubts about the authenticity of the “Liam Thong” plants circulating in the market. I personally know the Thai supplier who has been sending these to US sellers — the same supplier who sent me incorrect plants twice in the past. Because of this, I believe many buyers may think they already own Golden Goblet, even though the plants being sold under “Liam Thong” do not match the true characteristics of the real hybrid.
For anyone who already purchased a “Liam Thong” from a US seller, the best thing to do is simply check with the seller and ask whether their plant truly matches the characteristics of the authentic Liam Thong / Golden Goblet. Many sellers may not be aware that the stock they received is not the real hybrid, especially if it came from bulk shipments. A quick conversation can help clarify things and prevent future confusion.
To help collectors verify their plants, here are the authentic traits of Golden Goblet (Liam Thong):
🌵 How to Identify the Real Golden Goblet (Liam Thong)
Thorns
Golden Goblet has sparse, single thorns — never forked, never clustered. They are longer than average, evenly spaced, and have a balanced shape: not thick, not needle‑thin. This clean thorn pattern is one of the easiest ways to distinguish the real cultivar.
Stem
The stems are fat, rounded, and substantial, very similar to Namchok (“Dreamland”). This thickness suggests shared genetic traits and is a major difference from the thin, inconsistent stems seen in the marketplace “Liam Thong” plants.
Leaves
Golden Goblet’s leaves are elongated, wider than Pak Thong Chai, but not ovate like Namchok. Once you know the leaf shape, it becomes very easy to spot the real hybrid.
🌱 Why Fake or Misidentified Listings Exist
Many US sellers may not realize they were supplied with incorrect stock. Some simply list whatever arrives, especially when cuttings are shipped leafless. When a seller shows only one flower photo and cannot show their own mother plant, it’s a sign that the listing may not be reliable.
My intention is not to criticize anyone — only to help collectors understand what they have and to protect the integrity of new Thai hybrids.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Golden Goblet is a special cultivar with a very limited release history. If your plant’s thorns, stem thickness, or leaf shape do not match the traits above, it is likely not the true Liam Thong / Golden Goblet.
If you ever want help verifying your plant, I’m always happy to assist.