Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima, popularly known as Poinsettia or Christmas Star, is a deciduous shrub famous for its striking colorful bracts. While the most common are red, commercial varieties exist in white, cream, pink, or even marbled tones. In its natural state, it can reach several meters in height, but in homes, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant with a compact habit, standing out especially during winter for its decorative value.

It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and originates from the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. In its habitat, it grows in dry tropical forests, preferring warm climates. A distinctive characteristic of this species, like others in its genus, is the presence of a whitish latex inside its stems and leaves, which acts as a defense mechanism against herbivores but can be irritating to humans.

Its domestic cultivation is a challenge for many, as it is sensitive to drafts and overwatering. It is a 'photoperiodic' plant, meaning the coloring of its bracts strictly depends on the duration of the night. After the winter season, it usually enters a dormant period where it loses its color and some foliage, requiring strategic pruning to regrow vigorously in the following season.