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BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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WHILE the country braces for the long holiday season, which is just a couple of weeks away, the poinsettia, which is commonly referred to as the Christmas Flower, comes to bloom.
However, the colored bracts (leaflike structure) of poinsettia are commonly mistaken for flower petals – but they are actually leaves which are most often red in color.
In botanical terms, a bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis, or cone scale.
Actually, poinsettia is a shrub or small tree, and bears dark green dentate leaves.
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is commonly adored due to its red and green foliage which is widely used for Christmas decorations and floral displays.
According to Francis Gener of the King Louis Flowers and Plants, poinsettia probably got its common name from Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States (US) Minister to Mexico who introduced the plant into the US sometime in 1825.
It was learned that there are more than 100 cultivated varieties of poinsettia which are available around the world – although only few varieties are available in the Philippines.
Gener cultivates only five varieties which he said is commercially viable – the Prestige Red, Prestige White, Prestige Pink, Ice Punch, and Glitters.
The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism –they require darkness to change color, and at the same time, the poinsettia requires abundant but controlled light during the day to attain its brightest color.
The blooms of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators like the bees, and they are grouped within small yellow structures which can be found in the center of each leaf bunch, and are called cyathia.
The most sought after variety is Prestige Red due to its bright color – which is very attractive as a Christmas décor, and pleasing to the eyes.
With proper care, poinsettia could maintain the color of its leaves until the month of March; however, it will depend on the condition of the environment and how it will be nourished.
Gener explained that the association of poinsettia with the Christmas season probably began during the 16th century; a legendary girl in Mexico who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday placed the plant in front of the church altar.
Then from the 17th century, the Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations where the star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
Poinsettias then became an integral part of the Yuletide Season after it was used as popular Christmas decorations.
As early as October, poinsettia started to dominate the local gardens in the country due to its bright red color – aside from the different varieties which became available here in the Philippines.
Try cultivating the different varieties of poinsettia, who knows, you might become successful and be one of the suppliers of the plant in your community for next year’s celebration of Christmas. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com)/PN
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