Euphorbia pulcherrima
Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Angiosperms
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: pulcherrima
Occurence: The poinsettia is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Indigenous to Mexico & Central America, the Poinsettia was first described by the Europeans in 1834. It is particularly well-known for its red & green foliage & is widely used during Christmas floral displays.
Description: It is often stated to be highly toxic, however, it is not dangerous. Exposure to the plant, even consumption, most often results in no effect, though it can cause nausea, vomiting or dirrhea.
It is a shrub or a small tree, typically 0.6-4 metres in height. The plant bears dark green dentate leaves. The coloured bracts which are normally flaming red, with cultivars being orange, pale green, cream pink, white or marbled - are often mistaken for flower petals beacuse of their groupings & colours, but are actually leaves. The colours of the bracts are created through photoperiodism meaning that they require darkness to change colour. The plants also require abundant light during the day for the brightest colour.
The tropical dry forests where wild poinsettias grow experience largely unregulated deforestation, resulting in habitat loss. Its natural habitat is thus highly fragmented, particularly near metropolitan areas.
Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water.