Poinsettia

:For the scientific genus Poinsettia, see its current synonym Euphorbia.

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The poinsettia, also known as the Mexican flame leaf or Christmas star (Euphorbia pulcherrima), is a plant known for its striking red displays at Christmas time. It is often used as a floral Christmas decoration because of its festive colours.

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The "flowers" are actually large bunches of coloured leaves (modified bracts); the flowers themselves are in the center of each leaf bunch, but rather small and inconspicuous. Cultivars have been produced with orange, pale green, cream and marbled leaves. It is essential that the plant receives no light at night between approximately October and Christmas. The slightest exposure to light during this critical period will often prevent "flowering".

Related Topics:
Bract - Cultivar

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Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico and Central America, where they may reach heights of sixteen feet. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825.

Related Topics:
Mexico - Central America - Joel Roberts Poinsett - United States

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