Poinsettias have become a symbol of Christmas. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is originally from Mexico where it was grown by the Aztecs of Central Mexico as a shrub many centuries before it was introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett – hence the name. It is now grown all over the world in large amounts for the Christmas market as hybrid potted plants.
The poinsettia has velvety green leaves that are toothed.
