How are poinsettias used today?

Answer 1

Ornamental plants is the main use today for poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima).

Specifically, poinsettias are plants that are linked closely with the end-of-the-year holidays. The reason lies in the bloom of its dainty, inconspicuous yellow flower and in the dramatic color change of its modified leaves from green to red. The bloom and the color change are finalized in December.

In its native environment in Mexico and Central America, the plant is a perennial shrub. There is a growing trend for holiday buyers to stop treating the plant as an annual ornamental whose life span begins and ends with the Christmas holidays. The plant therefore is finding increased use as a resident houseplant or even as an outdoor perennial in certain areas of the world, such as Florida.

Additionally, the traditional use of the plant's body parts in practical, useful ways continues. For example, from the modified leaves a rich purplish dye can be made. From the milky substance that its insides contain a natural fever-busting treatment can be had.

Poinsettias were, are and always will be versatile plants whose practical beauty is more than skin deep.