Poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Observed as a landscape plant near Eldoret, Kenya, Africa. January 2012.
FLOWERS: The clusters of red and white leaves at the branch tips subtend
the actual flowers which are small and clustered into cup-shaped structures
called cyathia.
SHRUB: When sold for holiday decoration the slightly woody plants are
about ½-meter tall. Given favorable growing conditions plants can reach
three meters tall and wide.
LEAVES: Leaves that are not red are dark green giving the whole plant a
festive appearance. Broad and with five to seven obtuse corners.
RANGE: This plant is native to Mexico and has been propagated to
tropical areas around the world.
FRUIT: Each fruit capsule has three compartments containing three seeds.
UNARMED. However, the milky sap can be toxic if ingested or gotten in the eyes.