Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist
Florals and foliage of several species of ornamental plants are associated with the festive season of Christmas. Apart from the well known, rather celebrated, ‘Christmas tree’ a wide variety of plants embrace "Christmas" in their common names e.g. Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe, Ivy, Christmas Cactus, Christmas Bells, Christmas Roses (Helleborus ssp, Hydrangea sps), "Snow Rose" or "Winter Rose" (Serissa foetida). Together they are called ‘Christmas plants.’ Another common term used for these herbals in western countries (America and Europe) is ‘Holiday plants.’* Among these, ‘Poinsettia’ is the most admired. It is next only to ‘Christmas Tree’ in popularity. With brilliant red floral display held against rich green foliage it is adorable with its appealing presentation of the traditional Christmas colours. It’s relationship to Christmas dates back to 16th-century. According to a Mexican legend a poor little girl (Pepita or Maria ?) was very much worried as she had no gift to celebrate Lord Jesus’s birthday; during which time, an angel asked her to offer any gift with love. The young girl collected handful of weed plants growing on the road side and placed them in the manger (a makeshift crib for the Baby Jesus — a Christian symbol). Miraculously, the weeds blossomed into beautiful red stars, the present day ‘Poinsettias.’ Thus, the plant became legendary. Being popular they are sold everywhere from florists and nurseries to supermarkets and convenience stores all around the world. Infact, ‘Poinsettia’ trade is a multi-million dollar business in the US and Europe.
