What Is the Origin of the Name of the Poinsettia Flower?

Poinsettias are popular plants often given at Christmas for their red and green colors. Native to Central America, the poinsettia gets its name not for a scientific reason, but for the person who brought the species back to the United States.

Identification

Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851), was the first American ambassador to Mexico. This son of a French physician served there between 1825 and 1829 and had a passion for flowers and plants.

Function

Poinsett came across the plant soon to be called the poinsettia while serving in Mexico. He loved the red color and sent home samples to South Carolina and friends in other parts of the country.

Fun Fact

Although the plant was first known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, the name was soon replaced in 1836, according to Paul Ecke Ranch, after the person who brought the plant back to the U.S..

References

• Paul Ecke Ranche: The History of the Poinsettia
• Biographical Directory of the US Congress: Joel Roberts Poinsett