Latin America guide


Poinsettia Plants - America's Favorite Holiday Flowers

A  Nineteenth  Century  American  Immigrantplantings, the vast majority of which
originate from the Paul Ecke Ranch in
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where theyCalifornia.
grow wild, and were first introduced to the
United States in 1825 by Joel RobertAre  Poinsettias  Poisonous?
Poinsett, amateur botanist and first
ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett brought someSome mistakenly believe poinsettias are
cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood,poisonous. But, researchers at Ohio State
South Carolina. The rest is history. Today,University have proved the poinsettia to be
National Poinsettia Day, Dec. 12,non-toxic to both humans and pets. In fact,
commemorates Poinsett and the plant he madeout of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures
famous on the anniversary of his death instudied by Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh
1851.and Carnegie Mellon University, there was no
toxicity significance found. Even pet lovers
A  Charming  Holiday  Legendneed not ban the poinsettia from their homes.
Keeping the plant out of reach of pets is a
The legend of the poinsettia dates back to agood idea, however, to avoid stomach upset
Christmas Eve centuries ago, when a littlefrom the fibrous tissues, especially among
girl named Pepita had no gift to present tofeline friends. Like most decorative
the Christ child. On her way to the churchblooming plants, the poinsettia is not meant
she gathered up weeds along the road. Then,to be eaten and can certainly cause
a miracle unfolded. As she approached thediscomfort  if  ingested.
alter, the weeds bloomed into vibrant flowers
-- Flores de Noche Buena or Flowers of theSelecting  the  Perfect  Poinsettia  Plant
Holy  Night.
Poinsettias range in price from under $10 to
The Aztecs called the poinsettiaover $100, based on size, variety, shape,
Cuetlaxochitl. They made a reddish purple dyequality, and decorative trim. When selecting
from the bracts. In Chile and Peru, thepoinsettias, look for plants with thoroughly
poinsettia is known as the Crown of thecolored and expanded bracts, plentiful green
Andes. Poinsettias have also been referredfoliage, strong stems, and no signs of
to as the Flame Leaf Flower. In nature,wilting. Care and handling is easy.
they're a perennial flowering shrub that canPoinsettias like indirect sunlight, room
grow  up  to  ten  feet  in  height.temperatures, and light to moderate soil
moisture. Over watering and excessive
Poinsettias  Todaytemperatures are the most common causes of
any problems. Simply avoid cold drafts,
Today, poinsettias range in color from whiteexcessive  heat,  or  soggy  soil.
to pink to traditional red, with shades of
peach and yellow in between, with more thanWith a little care, poinsettias last through
100 varieties available. Newer varietiesChristmas and beyond, making them a terrific
boast marbled, flecked, and even wrinkledvalue, as well as a popular gift and favorite
bracts (the colored portion of the plant).holiday decoration.
They're grown in all fifty states, from tiny



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