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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettias are strongly associated with Christmas. It may be because both Christmas and poinsettias share strong red and green colors. Around Christmas time, many stores carry decorative potted poinsettias for the season.

The association between Christmas and poinsettias is so strong that the word Christmas is in two alternative names for poinsettias; Christmas flower and Christmas star. Other names for the plant are lobster plant, painted leaf, and Mexican flame leaf. The last name probably came from the fact that poinsettias originated and grow naturally in Mexico through Guatemala. Its association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico.

The plant was introduced into the United States in the 1820s. Paul Ecke Ranch, founded in 1909 and headquartered in Encinitas, San Diego county, is the world's largest poinsettia grower. It serves about half the worldwide market and 70% of the U.S. market.

Through cultivation, colors other than the striking red seen in the photo above are available.

The first impression one has of the plant is that the bright red (or whatever) color is the poinsettia's flower. Not so. The true flower is the tiny cluster of yellow at the center of the large colorful bracts; modified leaves.

Each plant has both male and female parts.

This helps to put things in perspective.

he poinsettia plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow anywhere from 2 to 13 feet in height. Consider making use of it for landscaping when the holidays are over.

With some attention, poinsettia's can take on a more tree-like appearance.

This next photo is of a "wild" poinsettia in its native habitat.

The Aztecs used poinsettias to treat fevers and to produce a red dye. The plant has the false reputation of being toxic to humans. Minor ailments may be caused by ingesting poinsettia leaves, but deaths have never been reported.

As its Latin name implies, poinsettias are members of the Euphorbia family. However, its closest relatives look wildly different as demonstrated by this Euphorbia obesa. Its other family members aren't any better.

Artwork

Poinsettia's bright colors have tempted people to make use of them in floral displays.

They can be trained to make interesting bonsai.

Since poinsettias are not native to Japan, Japanese artists can be excused for not making painting subjects of them. There is an exception, however.