Euphorbia pulcherrima
The Poinsettia
is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 2 to 16 ft.
The dark green leavesmeasure 3 to 6 inches in length.
The colouredleaves, which are most often flaming red but can be orange, pale green, cream,pink, white or marbled, are named ... bracts.
The tiny flowers are unassuming and grow in the centre of each leaf bunch.
The Poinsettia was discovered in Southern Mexico by American botanist Joel Joel Poinsett who wa salso the first United States Ambassador to Mexico and who is credited with its introduction into the U.S.A. in 1828.
Long before this, the Aztecs who named it "Cuetlaxochitle" which means mortal flower, knew and valued the plant. To them it was a symbol of purity and a reminder of the blood sacrifice as well as being a valuable red dye and medicine against fever.
It has been said that in the days of Montezuma, the last king of the Aztecs, large quantities were transported b ycaravan to his mountainous capital because it could not be grown naturally at that altitude.
When the Franciscan priests introduced Christianity into Mexico it was a simple transfer of symbolism from purity and blood sacrifice to its representation of the blood of Christ in their celebration of Christmas.
What would Joel Poinsett have thought ofthe vivid modern day cultivars?
The death of Joel Poinsett is commemorated in America on 12th December as ‘PoinsettiaDay’.
