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Next to the Christmas
tree, the poinsettia is probably the second most widely associated flora with the Christmas season
because of its beautiful red and green
coloration as well as its historic
use for purity in ancient
Aztec religious ceremonies. In fact, its scientific name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was
initially assigned because it translates to "very beautiful." For
these reasons,
Euphorbia pulcherrima,
the poinsettia is commonly referred to as "the Christmas flower"
and is seen
extensively in stores,
homes, and churches during the holidays.
Additionally, the poinsettia is the
most frequently potted
houseplant in the United States. As popular as this plant is however, many
characteristics about
and concerning the poinsettia are relatively unknown to many people. For
example, the poinsettia's
flowers are actually the small, green, cup-like structures called cyathia
which reside
in the center of
the red bracts (modified leaves)
that are traditionally thought to be the flower. Hopefully
with the help
of my website you will learn a bit more about this organism and come to
appreciate its true beauty.
>>>Classification>>>
March/April
2009
Questions?
Comments? Email me at vick.chri@students.uwlax.edu
multipleorganisms.net