December 20, 1990: 28 years ago

This poinsettia specimen was collected on December 20, 1990 by Sue Thompson from a potted plant in Pittsburgh.  Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to Mexico, but now widely cultivated. 
 
Look closely at the colorful “flowers” of poinsettia.  Upon close inspection, you’ll notice that those bright red or white (or otherwise colorful) structures are not flower petals, but specialized leaves called “bracts.”  The actual flowers are yellow and quite tiny.  The brightly colored bracts function to attract pollinators to the flowers.
 
Poinsettias are an excellent example of a “short-day” plant. (Or, more accurately, a “long-night” plant).  That means that as the length of darkness at night increases, a complex process begins that signals flowering and the production of pigments in the bracts. 
 
Poinsettias are woody perennials –  meaning you don’t need to throw them away after the holidays!  However, to flower again for next season, it takes some effort. They must experience days with less than 12 hours of daylight for 8-10 weeks straight.  That means you must provide the plant with 13-16 hours of complete darkness (uninterrupted!) in order for it to flower for December.  This may take some commitment to remember to put it in a dark closet each day, but well worth the effort.  Or just enjoy the green foliage year after as it grows larger.

 
This specimen image is now publicly available online: http://midatlanticherbaria.org/portal/collections/individual/index.php?occid=12144209&clid=0