Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as 'Taxco del Alarcon' where they flower during the winter. The brightly colored parts of the plant (called bracts) are actually modified leaves. If your poinsettia is wrapped in decorative foil, make sure there is a drain hole in the foil. The plant eventually inherited its common name poinsettia to honor Joel Roberts Poinsett. La flor de Noche Buena was not exclusive to the Aztecs but to several ethnic groups there are over 64 four know in today Mxico ethnic groups Aztecs were not the only ones in Mesoamrica. They also used the poinsettias' milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers. In addition to pushing for research funding, Paul Ecke Jr., revolutionized how poinsettias were produced and sold. When shopping for a poinsettia, look for leaves and bracts that do not show any wilting, which could indicate root problems, Trinklein said. One population in the Mexican state of Guerrero is much further inland, however, and is thought to be the ancestor of most cultivated populations. All available evidence suggests that the poinsettia was first sent to the Bartram Garden in Philadelphia in the fall of 1828. They also come in pink, white, orange, salmon, burgundy, speckled, and marbled. They form a circle around a cluster of small yellow flowers on the plant. An Act of Congress has even set December 12, the death of Joel Poinsett, as National Poinsettia Day to commemorate a man and his plant. He also appeared on television programs like The Tonight Show and Bob Hope's Christmas specials to promote the plants. This article was most recently revised and updated by, Merry and Bright: 8 Jolly Christmas Plants, https://www.britannica.com/plant/poinsettia, Clemson Cooperative Extension - Home and Garden Information Center - Poinsettia, University of Minnesota Extension - Growing and caring for poinsettia, Texas A&M University - Homeculture Update - Poinsettias, National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Poinsettia protoplasts - a simple, robust and efficient system for transient gene expression studies, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Horticulture and Home Pest News - Guide to Selection and Care of Poinsettias, poinsettia - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), poinsettia - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). In 2002, an Act of Congress made it official. Copyright & Permissions 2023 - Carol G Speake. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia has become symbolic of the holiday season for many Americans. March 1, 2023, Publication date: Bacterial diseases include bacterial soft rot and bacterial canker, while a viral disease is Poinsettia mosaic virus. Native to Mexico, the plant is called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night) due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. Euphorbia Pulcherrima, also known as Poinsettia, Christmas Flower, Winter Rose, Christmas Star, or Mexican Flame Leaf, is a species of perennial shrubs or small trees in the Euphorbiaceae family. With proper care, poinsettias stay beautiful throughout the holiday season. Mistletoe is poisonous to pets and can cause illness in humans. The common name we use today was believed to have been coined around 1836. In addition, it's bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and numerous bays, gulfs and inlets. Poinsettia fire - the poinsettia fire was the second most destructive of the may 2022 san diego county wildfires. It was named for Joel R. Poinsett, who popularized the plant and introduced it to floriculture while he was U.S. minister to Mexico in the late 1820s. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." [16][17] Triterpenes are found in aerial part of this plant including latex and leaves. This has not been documented in wild poinsettias, though, as cultivars seldom flower and do not produce fruits. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and Central America, it is known as the Easter Flower. COLUMBIA, Mo. b. la flor de Nochebuena. What makes this remarkable is that most poinsettias are sold between the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Gosh, I woulda thought the red and green colors were chosen for the same reason as chosen in European tradition- red for Christ's blood and green for eternal life- colors that had to be used symbolically at certain points because Christianity had come under such persecution. He began growing the plant in the tens of thousands for the Christmas season, when other flowers were scarce. Perhaps the 1st religious connotations were placed on poinsettias during the 17C. Even thought National Poinsettia Day is observed in the United States, December 12 is also celebrated in Mexico the celebration of Lady Guadalupe. Though she was embarrassed by her small gift, as she walked to the nativity scene, she kept thinking of what her cousin said. It is only fair. Keep it out of direct sun, though, which could fade the leaves. For us to begin, we have to go all the way back to 14th-century Mexico. When Poinsett began to grow his namesake plant in Charleston after his return, it probably returned to him via the Philadelphia nursery community.. It was introduced to the United States in 1828 and got its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett. They also used the poinsettias' milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers. Poinsett was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia in early 1827, and this seems to have cemented his connection with the Philadelphia scientific community and with Bartrams Garden .In early 1828, William Maclure, a longtime friend of Poinsett, and Thomas Say, a Bartram nephew, travelled to Mexico, visiting Vera Cruz and Mexico City. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The poinsettia's small flowers are surrounded by colorful leaves called bracts. If it feels light, it may need water. While the Smithsonian is so much more than a museum, Joel Roberts Poinsett is the man we have to thank for the part of the Smithsonian that is a museum! Many of these poinsettias are grown by Paul Ecke Ranch, which serves half the worldwide market and 70 percent of the US market. Poinsettias grow as a perennial shrub in Mexico and parts of Central America. Cultivated varieties are available with white, pink, mottled, and striped bracts, but the solid red varieties, in several shades, remain in greatest demand during the Christmas season. He gave free plants to talk shows, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which they featured on air. Different colors are the result of chance mutations from the original red.. In 1834, Europeans first described the poinsettia. If you see something that doesnt appear correct, please click here to contact us. The poinsettia ( / pnst ( i) /; [1] [2] [3] Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important flowering plant species of the diverse spurge family Euphorbiaceae. (botany) a. la flor de Pascua. [33][34], The Aztecs were the first to cultivate poinsettias. Poinsettia is a short-day plant, meaning it needs long periods of uninterrupted darkness each day in order to bloom. It is traditionally regarded as a true Christmas flower. Find out more about Jess here. The winter-blooming plant was used for medicinal purposes (from its sap) and as a source of red . You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. You might be interested to know that each aspect of the poinsettia flower holds religious symbolism and has a different meaning. Click to see our Privacy Policy, Christmas is here, bring on the poinsettias!! Poinsett found in Mexico an exotic plant that blooms red, pointy leaves not petals during winter. The presence of the true flower indicates the plant is still relatively young, he said. Despite its short sales period, poinsettia contributed $170 million to the U.S. economy last year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 1. in . Overwatering is a common cause of death, so water only when the soil is dry and don't let the plant sit in water. The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in moist, wet, wooded ravines and on rocky hillsides. The paper trail of the poinsettia next appears at The first semi-annual Exhibition of fruits, flowers and plants, of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, held June 6, 1829. At home, place it near a sunny window where it will get bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day. Poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima) do need special care to keep bloomingand can be kept year after year to rebloom, if you give them proper care. The rest is history. National Poinsettia Day on December 12 also forms a cultural bridge between the U.S. and Mexico. In reply to Lauren, regardless of where by Kathryn (not verified). Poinsettias are popular at Christmas for two reasons: being heavily advertised on television during this time, and also because of the Mexican legend about the origin of the poinsettia. Today, Poinsettias grace the mantels, hearths, dinner tables, and front porches of homes all over the world during the holidays. [27] Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias. It was almost certainly seen by early European explorers and colonists, but somehow never entered cultivation in Europe. Use arrows left and right to move between the items. They are beautiful, but the sap from the berries may cause an allergic reaction. Want to learn more about this beautiful plant? JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Paul Eckes Sr. and Paul Ecke Jr. had a massive impact on the poinsettia market. December 12, 2023. The botanical name for Poinsettias is Euphorbia Pulcherrima, which literally means "the most beautiful Euphorbia". Poinsettias were cultivated by the Aztecs of Mexico long before the introduction of Christianity to the Western Hemisphere. Poinsett, Maclure, Say, and Keating all arranged for Mexican seeds of plants to be sent to Bartrams Garden. (F) A man passionate about science, Poinsett insisted that scientists be included in these global travels. He became intrigued by the plant and sold them from street stands. Populations can be up to several hundred individuals, but this is not typical. The Mexican poinsettia, known as the Christmas Flower in North America, is used in most Christmas decorations, owing to its bright red color and its blooming season coinciding with the Christmas holiday season. [37][11][12], To produce extra axillary buds that are necessary for plants containing multiple flowers, a phytoplasma infectionwhose symptoms include the proliferation of axillary budsis used. He first served as a special envoy to Mexico in 1822-1823, and when the new Mexican Republic was recognized in 1824, Poinsett was first U. S. Minister Plenipotentiary. by. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The history of the poinsettia begins with an old Mexican legend and, later, a major American business venture. Around 1920 in southern California, a horticulturist named Paul Ecke became the next key person to promote the poinsettia. Choosing the anniversary of Poinsetts death for National Poinsettia Day serves as a reminder of his contribution to making poinsettias available to the United States. Now, thereason blazing red (and now pink, white, orange, plus combinations of these colors) poinsettias are the Christmas flowerin the United States is an accidental discovery by Joel Roberts Poinsett (17791851), an American statesman and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico in 1828. In fact, it provides 80% of the poinsettias in the United States, and about 50% of the worlds supply of poinsettias! The poinsettia is known throughout the world, though not always as a Christmas flower. It has been hypothesized that the inaccessibility of the canyons may protect the wild populations from human disturbance. The newer Poinsettia cultivars are long-lasting in contrast to the cultivars that were available a few years ago. They became associated with the Christmas holiday and are popular seasonal decorations. Its scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, meaning "very beautiful." John Bartram of Pennsylvania, the father of the American nursery industry, was the first to sell poinsettias under their botanical name. [13], The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 3 B. To get off to a good start, protect your new plant from cold temperatures and chilling winds on the way home from the store. Research conducted decades ago at Ohio State University debunked that urban legend, which still circulates today. Poinsettias are a traditional Christmas plant, so learn how to take care of them and all about theirhistory. The Ecke family of southern California began growing Why are the leaves on a poinsettia plant red? Red poinsettias symbolize the blood of Christ. Wild poinsettia populations are highly fragmented, as their habitat is experiencing largely unregulated deforestation. The poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and originated in a rather limited region near present day Taxco. Populations were once found in rolling hill areas, though many have gone extinct. It's a perennial shrub that was once considered a weed and will grow 10 to 15 feet tall in the wild. December 18, 2021. Since graduating from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Jess has been living and working in Los Angeles, CA. Skin exposure to the sap may cause itchiness, redness, or swelling. The son of a French physician, Poinsett was appointed as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (1825-1829) by President James Madison. 1. The . Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. Remove any excess water that is still in the planter after 10 minutes. The birth flowers of December are Narcissus and Poinsettias. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. They are a small shrub, but over time have been trained to grow as the potted plants we so often see during Thanksgiving and Christmas. At this early stage, the appropriate scientific name for the poinsettia was still in doubt. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of 0.6 to 4m (2.0 to 13.1ft). Even if you have a limited holiday decorating budget . what is the poinsettia called in central america. This is the most likely route for plants of the poinsettia to Bartrams Garden. Image: Max and Dee Bernt North America or Northern America is the northern landmass of the Americas. In 1970 the US Food and Drug Administration published a newsletter stating erroneously that "one poinsettia leaf can kill a child", and in 1980 they were prohibited from nursing homes in a county in North Carolina due to this supposed toxicity. What is a poinsettia called in Mexico? noun. Just pin this image to one of your trivia boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later. Its range is about 2,000km (1,200mi) long, encompassing mid-elevation tropical dry forests. What appear to be petals are actually coloured leaflike bracts that surround a central cluster of tiny yellow flowers. Through the marketing efforts of Paul Ecke and his sons, the poinsettia has become symbolic with Christmas in the United States. A common myth that has existed for generations is that a poinsettia's leaves are poisonous. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company [7], It was known by the common name "poinsettia" as early as 1836,[8] derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first US Minister to Mexico. While poinsettias with red bracts remain the most popular, they also come in creamy white, shades of pink and orange, marbled in pink and white, and with pink flecks on red. To narrow it down, these flowers originated from the quaint little town of Taxco de Alarcn in Mexico. Always the Holidays reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Poinsettia, Paul Ecke Sr. first started selling poinsettias in roadside stands. Aztec people loved poinsettia plants because they produced a bright red dye. More than 100 species ofbirdsrely on this ecosystem. Natives call this special flower the Christmas Star . Congress passed a bill in 2002 making December 12, National Poinsettia Day (which is also the anniversary of Joel Roberts Poinsetts death). Unlike fresh Christmas trees, the cultivation of which has some ecological benefits and for which many municipalities have recycling programs, poinsettias are fairly resource-intensive and typically end up in landfills after the holiday. The United Nations geoscheme defines "North America" as consisting of three regions . If ingested, mild drooling or vomiting can occur, or rarely, diarrhea. Legend links it with the birth of Christ and a little shepherdess named Madelon. It is said to resemble the Star of Bethlehem, which led the three wise men to Jesus. Between 1833 and 1836 the poinsettia went through a rapid series of scientific names as it was described and published in the US and Europefirst Pleuradena coccinea, then Poinsettia pulcherima, and finally Euphorbia pulcherima.