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In 1828, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett,
the United States Ambassador to Mexico brought the first Poinsettia
plant into the country. At that time, the plant was called the
"Flower of The Blessed Night" because the blooming,
red leaves were thought to resemble the Star of Bethlehem. The
Poinsettia actually has no "flower petals"; the leaves
themselves turn red!
It was used as decoration during the Christmas season in Mexico,
because it grew and bloomed during the Winter months. After the
plant became popular in the United States, it was renamed the
Poinsettia. |
