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Poinsettia Trivia
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History of the Poinsettia
Its Latin name is Euphorbia Pulcherrima. Its
Mexican monikers include the ancient Nahuatl term Cuitlaxochitl (star flower),
along with Catarina (Catherine), Flor de Pastor (Shepherd's Flower) and, most
commonly, Flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Flower).In the English-speaking
world this illustrious holiday bloom is called the Poinsettia, named after Dr.
Joel R. Poinsett, a U.S. diplomat who served as Minister to Mexico in the
1820's. Like many newcomers to Mexico, he was no doubt enthralled by the sight
of the gargantuan shrubs covered in mid-winter with brilliant vermillion
blossoms. After experimenting with various methods of propagation, he returned
home to Charleston, South Carolina with enough cuttings to begin the cultivation
of these stunning plants in northern climes. Mexican legend has it that a small
boy had nothing to bring the baby Jesus, and so he brought a poinsettia as his
gift. The poinsettia has been commonly called Nochebuena in
Mexico since. Nochebuena meaning good night, or in Christmas terms, holy night.
Most of the poinsettias distributed in the US are grown at Paul Ecke poinsettia
nursery here in San Diego County!
Please visit
Gayle's page. Just click anywhere on this text. She has much more on her page about Mexico.
