Pointsettia

Part of the Euphorbiaceae family, it is native to Mexico and Central America

It gets its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first US minister to Mexico. He was credited for bringing the plant to the United States around the 1820’s.

Often said to be toxic, this is not true, however, exposure to the plant can cause nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea so please be careful and preferably DO NOT CONSUME.

Used in Christmas time celebrations, approximately 70 million plants get sold in the 6 weeks leading up to the celebration, in the US.

Christmas Star, Crown of the AndesNoche Buena, Mexican flame leaf, Flor de Pascua, Pascua, and Easter Flower, are other names for this plant.

Magick and Folklore

In the colder months this plant can symbolise purity, transformation, and new beginnings in various cultures.

The Aztecs believed in a legend that said the plant originated from the blood of a broken-hearted goddess.

It often symbolises celebration, joy, and renewal and can be used as such in spellwork.

In Mexico folklore states that Poinsettias first bloomed at the feet of a poor girl, who was inspired by an angel to present weeds as a gift to the baby Jesus. Although depending on who the storyteller is will change the story.

It can also be used in spells for; Protection, Love and Harmony or Spiritual Growth.

* As per usual please be very careful when thinking of ingesting herbs, plants and flowers

**Please consult your family doctor or a professional if you are not certain of anything