Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Noche Buena



Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima

Date Collected: April 19th, 2011

Location: Tecamac, State of Mexico. House garden.

Habitat: Its native habitat are the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. Needs special care and varying amounts of sun and water according to the month but can be in either sun or shade.

Nativity: Native to Mexico and Central America.

Special Notes: Has had a long history starting with the Aztecs using the red dye as an antipyretic medication. Now it has a strong connection to Christmas and is used in Christmas celebrations worldwide.  Its tie to Christmas started with an old Mexican tale and the red now is seen to symbolize the crucifixtion of Jesus. It is also noted that this species only blooms during winter, around Christmas time, when its green leaves turn red.

Resources:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_pulcherrima

      https://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=5118
      
      http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/species-profiles/poinsettia

      http://ezinearticles.com/?History-and-Care-Of-Poinsettia-Plants---Euphorbia-Pulcherrima&id=5499665

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