... today is Poinsettia Day
While serving as the first American minister to Mexico from 1825 to 1830, Joel Roberts Poinsett came across a plant called "Flor de Noche Buena." Poinsett was an avid amateur botanist
and he sent samples of the plant home to the States.
Somehow, by 1836, the plant had become known as the "poinsettia."
in honor of Mr. Poinsett.
and he sent samples of the plant home to the States.
Somehow, by 1836, the plant had become known as the "poinsettia."
in honor of Mr. Poinsett.
The plant is native to Mexico
and was used by the Aztecs to produce red dye.
and was used by the Aztecs to produce red dye.
A Mexican folk tale also associates the flower with the Christmas holiday.
Albert Ecke came to Los Angeles from Germany in 1900. He became interested in the poinsettia and began selling the plants from street stands. His son, Paul, developed the grafting technique that created the full plant we know today. Paul Ecke, Jr., further develped the plant's association with Christmas by sending free plants to television stations for display on programs airing from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
The Poinsettia
It does seem a shame that the flower got renamed because an American
"discovered" it.
I think Flor de Noche Buena is much prettier.
I guess people were just too busy to say four words.
It does seem a shame that the flower got renamed because an American
"discovered" it.
I think Flor de Noche Buena is much prettier.
I guess people were just too busy to say four words.
posted by arrow | 12:14 PM
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