euphorbia pulcherrima
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Definition
Noun: 1. Poinsettia: A tropical American shrub (Euphorbia pulcherrima) widely cultivated for its showy, typically scarlet, petal-like bracts (modified leaves) that surround its small, yellow flowers. The plant's sap is a milky, potentially irritating latex.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as the poinsettia, is a popular holiday plant.
- The bright red bracts of the Euphorbia pulcherrima are often mistaken for flowers.
- When handling a cut Euphorbia pulcherrima, it's advisable to wear gloves to avoid contact with its milky sap.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific/Botanical Context: The term is used in formal, scientific, or horticultural writing to refer specifically to this species, distinguishing it from other plants in the large (spurge) genus.
- The study focused on the photoperiodism of Euphorbia pulcherrima.
Variants and Related Words
- Poinsettia (n): The universal common name for .
- Christmas Star (n): Another common name, referencing its festive appearance and season.
- Lobster Flower (n): A less common regional name.
- Mexican Flameleaf (n): A descriptive common name.
Synonyms
- Poinsettia: The primary synonym.
- Christmas flower: A descriptive synonym highlighting its seasonal association.
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning refers specifically to the botanical species. The "flowers" people admire are not true petals but brightly colored bracts (leaf-like structures). The actual flowers are the small, yellow, central structures.
- While often associated with the color red, cultivated varieties of can have bracts in white, pink, or marbled patterns.
Noun
- tropical American plant having poisonous milk and showy tapering usually scarlet petallike leaves surrounding small yellow flowers