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poinsettia, (Euphorbia pulcherrima), well-known member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), commonly sold as an ornamental at Christmastime. The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in moist, wet, wooded ravines and on rocky hillsides. It was named for Joel R.
What country did poinsettias originate in?
The red leafy plant blooms in December and has a rich history with the holiday season. The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In 1828, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina.
Are poinsettias from Mexico?
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays.
Are poinsettias native to Hawaii?
The Hawaiian word for the poinsettia plant is Pua Kalikimaka, litterally meaning, “Christmas flower.” Its common name is Zach Wood or noche buena, revealing its indigenous Mexico and Central American origins. It was brought to Hawaii not long after.
What is the poinsettia called in Central America?
Poinsettias: The Christmas Eve Flower. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it’s known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.
Who brought poinsettia to the United States?
Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States from Mexico. Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.
When did the poinsettia come to the United States?
Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett. While serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he had occasion to visit Taxco and found the plants growing on adjacent hillsides.
What does the poinsettia symbolize?
We consider them a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolise good will and community spirit. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolising the blood of Christ.
Why are poinsettias red?
Many people wonder what makes poinsettias turn red. It is actually the plant’s leaves that provide its color through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, turns the leaves from green to red (or pink, white, and other shade variations).
What is the life expectancy of a poinsettia plant?
“Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they’re really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years.”.
What do you do with poinsettias at Christmas?
Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.
Why does Mexico use poinsettias for Christmas?
After the conquest, during the 17th century, Spanish Franciscan priests in Mexico began using the poinsettia in the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre, a nativity procession. They used the poinsettia because of its appropriate holiday color and blooming time.
What did the Aztecs used poinsettias for?
The Aztecs called poinsettias “Cuetlaxochitl.” During the 14th – 16th century the sap was used to control fevers and the bracts (modified leaves) were used to make a reddish dye. Dazzled by its color, he gave it the botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima meaning “very beautiful.”.
What kind of tree do Kenyans often use as a Christmas tree?
As for the Christmas tree? Instead of the traditional fir or pine tree, you’ll see beautifully decorated Cypress trees in Kenya. You might even spot Santa roaming around the stores in the big cities like Nairobi – but he usually swaps his warm winter suit for something cooler in the hot Kenyan sun!Dec 1, 2020.
Is The Legend of the poinsettia a true story?
This is the story of the Poinsettia, the Christmas plant. The Legend of the Poinsettia – a story based on the Mexican legend of a pure hearted young girl who discovers the true spirit of giving. The Latin Ballet’s production of The Legend of the Poinsettia elegantly portrays the Hispanic traditions of the season.
What happened to the weeds that were placed by the altar on Christmas Eve?
As he placed them on the altar, the weeds turned into the brilliant red and green leaves of a poinsettia, also known as “Flores de Noche Buena” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.” They symbolize good cheer and success during the holidays, so this Bush will make the perfect gift for one of your friends!Dec 13, 2021.
Where do poinsettias grow best?
Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location protected from north winds and frost. The south side of a house or wall is usually a good spot. Make sure the location receives no artificial light at night from flood lights, street lights or porch lights, as this can prevent poinsettias from blooming properly.
Are poinsettias grown in all 50 states?
California is the top poinsettia-producing state. Poinsettias are commercially grown in all 50 states. Other top poinsettia-producing states include North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Ohio.
Are poinsettias weeds?
Wild Poinsettia / Desert Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla var. Both plants are members of the euphorbia family. This plant is sometimes grown for the colorful green and orange bracts, but it is considered a weed.
