The poinsettia, otherwise known as the "Christmas flower" is actually a native of Central America. Its history dates as far back as the Aztecs who used parts of the bloom in extracting a purplish dye useful in textiles and cosmetics; the plant's sap (modern day latex) was a component in combating fever. However, the story of this beautiful bloom took a turn when the first United States ambassador was appointed to Mexico. Joel Poinsett, an appointee of President James Madison, was the son of a French physician. Joel also had studied medicine, but his real love was botany. (An interesting side note here is Joel Poinsett would eventually become the founder in what would become known as the Smithsonian Institute.)While on duty in Mexico, Poinsett was intrigued with the brilliant bloom, immediately sent samples to his hot houses in Greenville, South Carolina where propagation began. They were sent as gifts to personal friends and samples were sent to botanical gardens, and they were first sold in Pennsylvania. The botanical name is Euphorbia Pulchrrima, however in 1836 the term Poinsettia was coined when Congress honored Joel Poinsett declaring December 12 as National Poinsettia Day. The story of this plant will be continued tomorrow...
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