Unveiling the Origins and Significance of Poinsettias in Holiday Traditions

The poinsettia, a popular symbol of the holiday season, is facing scrutiny due to its namesake, Joel Roberts Poinsett, a slaveowner and lawmaker involved in the forced removal of Native Americans. As more people learn about Poinsett's controversial history, some prefer to use the plant's Indigenous name, cuetlaxochitl. The plant's cultivation dates back to the Aztec empire, and it is known by various names across Latin America. Mexican biologists have traced the genetic stock of U.S. poinsettias to a wild variant in Guerrero, Mexico, and are researching other wild variants to protect against poaching. Despite the controversy, Poinsett's legacy as an explorer and collector remains significant, and his name is associated with the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.