Poinsettia: The 'Christmas Flower' That's Not a Flower, But a Miracle Story

• Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is often mistaken for a Christmas flower, but its vibrant red parts are actually leaves (bracts), not petals.
• Named after Joel Poinsett, the first American ambassador to Mexico, this ornamental plant's green leaves turn red in winter due to photoperiodism (less light).
• Popular at Green Garden Nursery in Ghazipur, it's used for festive decoration in homes, churches, and offices, and has mild air-purifying qualities.
• Easy to grow in pots with indirect light and proper watering, it thrives at 18-24°C but needs protection from frost; requires fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
• A Mexican folk tale describes a poor girl's green plant turning red miraculously in church; its milky sap is mildly toxic, so keep away from children and pets.

Why It Matters: Poinsettia, a plant with red leaves and a miraculous tale, is a festive favorite, not a flower.