Poinsettia / Božićna zvijezda

Description:

It is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching a height of 0.6 - 4 m. The plant bears dark green dentate leaves that measure 7 -16 cm in length. The colored bracts—which are most often flaming red but can be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white or marbled—are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (12 hours at a time for at least 5 days in a row) to change color. At the same time, the plants require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators. They are grouped within small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch, and are called cyathia.

Habitat:

It is a culturally and commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family that is indigenous to Mexico and Central America.

Notes:

It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett,the first United States Minister to Mexico,who introduced the plant into the United States in 1825.