28 Nov 2019
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POINSETTIA

Poinsettias are just as much part of Christmas as the Christmas tree, homemade cookies and candlelight. Poinsettias are available in different colours of which red is the most popular.

  • Poinsettias have also been called the lobster flower and the flame-leaf flower, due to the red colour.
  • Poinsettias received their name in the United States in honour of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the country in 1828.
  • December 12th is Poinsettia Day, which marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett in 1851.
  • The flowers of the plant are actually bracts of modified leaves, that turn colour in response to the plant forming flowers.
  • Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas plant. Most Poinsettias are sold within a six-week period leading up to that holiday.
  • It is estimated that women account for 80% of Poinsettia sales.
  • In the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, the Aztecs used the Poinsettia leaves to dye fabric for clothing and the sap for medicinal purposes, including to help control fevers.
  • In Mexico and Guatemala, the Poinsettia is called the “Flower of the Holy Night” referring to Christmas Eve.

 

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY PLANTIMEX