Christmas flower

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Definition

Noun: - A tropical American plant: A plant native to tropical regions of the Americas, specifically Euphorbia pulcherrima, characterized by its brightly colored bracts (modified leaves) that are often mistaken for petals. These bracts are typically a showy, tapering scarlet red, surrounding small, inconspicuous yellow flowers. The plant contains a milky, latex sap that can be irritating or toxic.

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The vibrant red of the Christmas flower is a classic symbol of the holiday season.
    • She received a beautiful potted Christmas flower as a gift.
    • Be careful when handling the Christmas flower, as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Advanced Usage
  • As a decorative symbol: The term is almost exclusively used to refer to the poinsettia () in the context of winter holiday decoration.
    • Every December, the town square is adorned with hundreds of Christmas flowers.
Variants and Related Words
  • Poinsettia (n): The most common and formal name for the same plant, .
    • The botanical name for the Christmas flower is Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly called a poinsettia.
  • Euphorbia pulcherrima (n): The scientific Latin name for the plant.
Synonyms
  • Poinsettia: The standard synonym.
  • Lobster plant: A less common alternative name.
  • Mexican flame leaf: Another descriptive name referencing its origin and color.
Notes on Meaning
  • The term "Christmas flower" is a common name that directly associates the plant's peak visibility and commercial popularity with the Christmas holiday. Its true flowers are the small yellow structures in the center; the large red parts are bracts (specialized leaves).
Noun
  1. tropical American plant having poisonous milk and showy tapering usually scarlet petallike leaves surrounding small yellow flowers

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