Common Name: Poinsettia
Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Nepali Name: Lalupate ( लालुपाते )
Size: up to 4m (height)
Location: Pokhara, Nepal

Lalupate (Lal- red; pate- leave) as known in Nepal is one of the species that was brought to Nepal from abroad but has been planted widely around Kathmandu and Pokhara. This species is native to Central America and an indigenous species in Mexico.

These softwood shrubs grow as high as 4m. The red flowers are actually bracts (specialized leaves) with yellow flower heads or cyathia in the center of the colorful bracts.  Once the pollen in the yellow flower heads or cyathia in the center of the colorful bracts is shed, the plant drops its bracts and leaves. They bloom showing their color in full strength around November and December. Photoperiodism ( darkness is required ) creates the color in the bracts for at least 12 hours at a time, which goes on for 6-8 weeks. The plant will also need enough light during the daytime to have the brightest color in the bracts.

Please feel free to comment below if the above species has been misidentified.

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