Euphorbia pulcherrima
The Poinsettia
is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 2 to 16 ft.
The dark green leaves
measure 3 to 6 inches in length.
The coloured
leaves, 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 was
also 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 by
caravan 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 of
the vivid modern day cultivars?
The death of Joel Poinsett is commemorated in
America on 12th December as ‘Poinsettia
Day’.
