The Poinsettia Mystery

Brianne Bilyeu, , , ,

I was a biology major in college. During that time I was a student employee and I got stuck with the mind-numbingly boring and frustrating task had the opportunity and challenge of gluing hundreds of friable, sometimes paper-thin plant specimens into specimen books. I also took a botany course, but it was only one semester long and I believe that the most I’ve retained from that class is an understanding of the differences between deciduous and coniferous trees. Actually, that was one of my big SCI-ENCE! moments. I remember being hugely impressed with needle-bearing evergreens’ adaptive strategies for surviving in nutrient-poor soil, and arid and low-sunlight conditions. Rah! Rah! Evergreens!

Anyway, that’s just a side story. The point is, I’m not a botanist, but I do imagine myself to be a bit of a naturalist and appreciator of ecological science. And what I’m…. Well… Hmmm… What I’m trying to say is that I learned something new, something that’s probably common knowledge and I’m a little embarrassed to have not known this, especially having studied a bit of botany. But on the other hand we all make assumptions about little things that don’t have much to do with out day-to-day needs or experiences, and it’s neat to have those misconceptions or ignorances cleared up. Here’s the story:

We, like many work offices, acquired a poinsettia over the holiday season. You know, one of these:

Image Source

And as is the fate of so many under-appreciated and ignored office plants this one didn’t get nearly as much water as it needed. Eventually all of the green leaves blackened and curled and fell off to their final resting place on the dry soil. For some reason, after the last of the green leaves dropped, the officemates and I were spurred into action. We became poinsettia paramedics, determined to bring this abused plant back from the brink of destruction to which we had driven it.

As we were considering the poinsettia several days later I had this conversation with my office mate, R.

Me: Isn’t it weird that the leaves fell off  before the petals did?

R: I think the red ones are leaves too, not petals. 

Me: No way! Why have two different types of leaves on a plant? And leaves have chloroplasts, and don’t those cause the leaves to be green?

R: (A PhD in virology and rather far removed from his own botany course) I don’t know. Maybe. But I don’t think it’s necessary to be green if you  have chloroplasts.

Me: I don’t know either. I bet the concentration of chloroplasts is less in the red parts than in the green leaves. I wonder how long the plant is going to live without the green leaves. Will it be able to produce enough energy to survive?

R: Hmm. [goes back to his computer]

Me: You know, if only there was someplace where we could easily look all of this stuff up.

R: [Playing with a ROC curve and only half listening to me ramble anymore] Have at it.

To the interwebs! As I knew it would be, the answer was immediately presented:

From the website BiologyReference.com

At first glance one might come to the erroneous conclusions that all leaves are green, and that which is green in nature is a leaf. While often this is the case, there are numerous exceptions. Plant organs are green because of the presence of chloroplasts in the cells near the surface, which reflect green light and absorb other wavelengths as a source of energy for photosynthesis. Certain cells in many leaves contain these organelles , but chloroplasts are also found elsewhere in other organs, such as the stems of cacti of the desert and twigs of sassafras trees in the deciduous forest. In addition, flowers such as the head of broccoli, and fruits such as watermelons also contain chloroplasts.Conversely, many leaves are not green. The winter holiday season brings potted poinsettia plants into many homes. The bright red or pink organs on these plants are not the flowers; they are specialized leaves called bracts, with cells that contain so much pigment that the limited amount of chlorophyll in the chloroplasts is obscured from view. Some poinsettias are white; usually a close look reveals that they have a green tinge due to the presence of a few chloroplasts. Poinsettias do, however, produce flowers. They are less conspicuous small, round yellow and green organs nestled at the apex of the stem, surrounded by the colorful modified leaves.

So – one mystery solved! But why bracts? Wikipedia says that the colorful red leaves serve the function of attracting pollinators. And an article on e-how provided some fascinating insight on why the poinsettia in our office is the way it is:

Why Colored Bracts Form: In nature, the poinsettia plant is deciduous and drops its leaves in the winter. Some of the leaves change color before they fall. Growers carefully control the light exposure of poinsettias cultivated for the home market to mimic this natural cycle and the topmost leaves, or bracts, turn color in response.

Special Breeding and Cultivating: Although all poinsettias have descended from the tall perennial Mexican plant, plant cultivators have bred and selected plants over decades to produce poinsettias with a height and appearance appropriate for inside decoration. In addition to shading leaves to induce color change, growers pinch the plants to produce side shoots for a fuller poinsettia.

Controlling Light Exposure:The amount of light a poinsettia receives controls its ability to produce colored bracts. Growers manipulate this natural process, called photoperiodism, to create colored leaves in time for the Christmas season, by giving the plants at least 12 hours of darkness for eight to 11 weeks.

Thanks, internets. I love when you prove me wrong get me the information I’m seeking!

And our Poinsettia is still hanging in there, although we’ll probably toss it out when it comes time to torture the poor potted Easter Lily that will show up in a couple of months.

{advertisement}
The Poinsettia Mystery

About the author

Thoughts from a Minneapolis-based nerdy, liberal, humanist progressive on topics such as science, skepticism, religion, atheism, critical thought, politics, and local and global humanitarian and equality efforts. Biodork <3's geek culture, groan-inducing puns, world travel, cultural exchange and sharing and listening to stories.
{advertisement}

908 thoughts on “The Poinsettia Mystery”

  1. Greg Laden
    Reply
    1

    There are other interesting things. Many people grow up learning that poinsettia is toxic. Wikipedia dispels that “urban legend” and explains that it is not. But, in fact, it is. It simply isn’t extremely toxic, like if you eat a leaf you die. Many euphorbia have an irritating, icky, or toxic latex and poinsettia is no exception. It is funny to read The Wiki say “It is said to be toxic, but it is not! It merely causes itching, allergic reactions, irritation, possibly diarrhea and vomiting if eaten, and it causes temporary blindness if it gets in your eyes, and though there are no known fatalities, one study looked at over 22 thousand cases bad enough to report to Poison Control Centers”

    The plants are not dangerous, but they are a little toxic or irritating.

    Also, just the fact that it is a euphorb is interesting. As a rule of thumb, if a plant is interesting enough to write a blog post about, it is either a euphorb of some sort or a member of the Solanaceae family.

    Also, I don’t buy the red leaf to guide pollinator idea. That may be true, and it often is, but I’m thinking it’s an honest indicator of quality designed to keep herbivores away. But that may just be me: I tend to see handicap theory everywhere….

  2. E.A. Blair
    Reply
    2

    The Poinsettia was named after Joel Poinsett, a US envoy to Mexico, who introduced and popularized the plant in the US. He was best known to the Mexicans for meddling in their internal affairs, to the point that they coined a word, “poinsetismo”, which, loosely translated, means “one who sticks one’s nose where it doesn’t belong”. Thus, Mr. Poinsett has the distinction of contributing eponyms to two different languages in his lifetime.

  3. The Phytophactor
    Reply
    3

    Greg Laden says:I don’t buy the red leaf to guide pollinator idea.
    The pollinator attractant role of bracts is easily demonstrated by clipping the bracts and comparing the lesser seed set in comparison to bracted flowers. And of course, why only produce bracts when producting flowers if their role is to advertise low quality? Sorry, but this part of pollination biology is pretty well known, although always good to test those alternate hypotheses.

  4. barbrykost
    Reply
    4

    Don’t throw out the poinsettia! My mother used to keep hers in a cool closet in a dormant state until the following holiday season. I don’t know the details (I am so bad with plants they jump out of their pots and run away from home when they know where they are) but I think you can keep one going for a couple of years.

  5. Gwynnyd
    Reply
    5

    I’ve always been able to rejuvenate my poinsettias when they are at the stage your is at. Give it some water, for moist but not wet soil and a fertilizer stick every few months, and new leaves will grow on the existing stems. I can keep them green and healthy for years.

    I only once managed to manipulate the light to get the red a second time though. Exposure to regular light bulb is enough to mess it up.

  9. Laverne
    Reply
    9

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!|

  12. Chuck
    Reply
    12

    First of all I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Many thanks!|

  13. new pc game free download full version
    Reply
    13

    I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your site. It appears as if some of the text in your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too? This might be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Kudos|

  17. Latasha
    Reply
    17

    Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?|

  22. Fabiola
    Reply
    22

    I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.|

  23. Brandee
    Reply
    23

    Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your web site in web explorer, could test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a good part of folks will omit your excellent writing because of this problem.|

  38. order vardenafil
    Reply
    38

    In Staffing, anytime, so debatable are the agents recommended by the extent’s first-rate rank to suborn cialis online forum uncharted that the tracking down urinalysis of deterrent over and above at tests to appear the notation gradual, forms to earmarks of its prevalence. viagra no prescription viagra sildenafil

  74. clomiphene online
    Reply
    74

    So he can caricaturist if patients are slightest to sustain or continuous an empiric, you skate a low or other etiologic agents, the currency becomes fresh and You spy a syndrome when all is said online dispensary viagra you the will of the elderly women. tadalafil reviews Ihwgjn nsobii

  113. Shonabgxe
    Reply
    113

    I leave a response when I appreciate a article on a website or if I have something to add to the conversation. Usually it’s triggered by the fire displayed in the article I looked at. And after this article CF Colors v 2.1, Post Formats Admin UI v1.3.1, and Social v2.10 : alexking.org. I was actually moved enough to drop a thought 🙂 I actually do have 2 questions for you if you do not mind. Is it just me or do a few of the responses look like coming from brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are writing at other social sites, I’d like to keep up with anything new you have to post. Could you list every one of all your community sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

  126. Greggpkwv
    Reply
    126

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  143. Samiranhlq
    Reply
    143

    Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  188. Asuncioniajn
    Reply
    188

    Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent blog!

  196. Shaniquatspo
    Reply
    196

    It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I may just I want to recommend you some attention-grabbing things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles relating to this article. I wish to read even more issues approximately it!

  228. Carlivuku
    Reply
    228

    I’m extremely inspired together with your writing talents and also with the structure on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s rare to look a nice weblog like this one today..

  283. http://grassfed.us
    Reply
    283

    Right here is the right blog for everyone who
    really wants to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
    You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for many years.
    Excellent stuff, just excellent! http://grassfed.us/

  357. 토토사이트
    Reply
    357

    Hello.
    This time is a precious time.
    I want to have many memories and good memories with you.
    I always want to support you and remain a good memory.
    We hope to help you a lot in the future, and I always want to be with you. I will always do my best and support you! 토토사이트

  377. 사설토토사이트
    Reply
    377

    Hello.
    We always share happiness with many people with good writing.
    I want to become a good friend with you and share a lot of things with you.
    I want to share various information through many exchanges in the future. We are always cheering for you, and we are praying earnestly that there will always be good things for you.
    I hope that you will continue to be healthy and inform a lot of good articles and good information to many people through many activities.
    I wish you always happy and good things. Fighting.! 사설토토사이트

  390. 사설토토사이트
    Reply
    390

    Hello.
    I always see and feel a lot from you.
    Thank you so much for sharing a lot and allowing you to refer to a lot of content.
    I hope that you will continue to share with many people with many articles in the future.
    I want to be a good friend with you and do a lot of things together.
    I think you give hope to many people.
    I will pray that you will always be strong and be full of only good things.
    We look forward to your continued activities.
    Thank you. 사설토토사이트

  439. Nutritional Products International
    Reply
    439

    By way of introduction, I am Mark Schaefer, and I represent Nutritional Products International. We serve both international and domestic manufacturers who are seeking to gain more distribution within the United States. Your brand recently caught my attention, so I am contacting you today to discuss the possibility of expanding your national distribution reach.We provide expertise in all areas of distribution, and our offerings include the following: Turnkey/One-stop solution, Active accounts with major U.S. distributors and retailers, Our executive team held executive positions with Walmart and Amazon, Our proven sales force has public relations, branding, and marketing all under one roof, We focus on both new and existing product lines, Warehousing and logistics. Our company has a proven history of initiating accounts and placing orders with major distribution outlets. Our history allows us to have intimate and unique relationships with key buyers across the United States, thus giving your brand a fast track to market in a professional manner. Please contact me directly so that we can discuss your brand further. Kind Regards, Mark Schaefer, [email protected], VP of Business Development, Nutritional Products International, 101 Plaza Real S, Ste #224, Boca Raton, FL 33432, Office: 561-544-0719

  455. The Vintage Vape
    Reply
    455

    I oversee a vape store submission site and we have had a posting from a vape shop in the United States that additionally sells CBD goods. A Month later on, PayPal has contacted use to say that our account has been limited and have asked us to remove PayPal as a payment method from our vape shop directory site. We do not offer for sale CBD goods like CBD oil. We merely provide web marketing professional services to CBD companies. I have checked out Holland & Barrett– the UK’s Well known Health and wellness Store and if you take a good peek, you will see that they supply a rather substantial stable of CBD products, specifically CBD oil and they also happen to accept PayPal as a payment method. It seems that PayPal is employing double standards to many different firms. Due to this limitation, I can no longer accept PayPal on my CBD-related web site. This has restrained my payment possibilities and now, I am heavily contingent on Cryptocurrency payments and direct bank transfers. I have talked with a lawyer from a Magic Circle law practice in London and they said that what PayPal is doing is completely illegal and inequitable as it should be applying a systematic standard to all companies. I am still to seek advice from yet another lawyer from a US law firm in The city of london to see what PayPal’s legal position is in the United States. In the meantime, I would be extremely appreciative if anyone here at targetdomain could offer me with substitute payment processors/merchants that deal with CBD firms.

  555. The Vape Loft
    Reply
    555

    I look after a vape shop directory and we have had a listing from a vape shop in the United States that likewise advertises CBD product lines. A Calendar month later on, PayPal has contacted use to say that our account has been limited and have requested us to take away PayPal as a payment method from our vape shop website directory. We do not retail CBD products like CBD oil. We only provide online marketing solutions to CBD firms. I have looked into Holland & Barrett– the UK’s Top Health Retail store and if you take a close look, you will see that they offer for sale a somewhat comprehensive stable of CBD product lines, primarily CBD oil and they also happen to accept PayPal as a settlement method. It seems that PayPal is employing double standards to many different companies. Because of this restriction, I can no longer take PayPal on my CBD-related website. This has limited my payment possibilities and now, I am heavily reliant on Cryptocurrency payments and straightforward bank transfers. I have talked with a lawyer from a Magic Circle law practice in The city of london and they explained that what PayPal is doing is totally unlawful and inequitable as it ought to be applying a systematic standard to all firms. I am yet to get in touch with an additional lawyer from a US law office in The city of london to see what PayPal’s legal position is in the USA. Meanwhile, I would be highly appreciative if anyone here at targetdomain could provide me with substitute payment processors/merchants that work with CBD firms.

  611. Cesaria
    Reply
    611

    Does anyone know what happened to Dimepiece LA celebrity streetwear brand? I seem to be unable to check out on Dimepiecela site. I’ve read in Elle that the brand was acquired by a UK-based hedge fund for $50m. I have just bought the No Hate No Fear Tote from Ebay and absolutely love it xox