In Mexico, what is the name of the poinsettia plant used as a Christmas decoration?

In Mexico, the poinsettia plant used as a Christmas decoration is called Flor de Nochebuena.

The plant’s scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, and its vivid red bracts—not its small yellow flowers—create the familiar Christmas display. In Mexico, it is also commonly shortened to Nochebuena. The name refers to Christmas Eve, known in Spanish as Nochebuena.

The plant is native to Mexico and Central America. Its association with Christmas grew from its winter colouring and from Mexican religious traditions. The Náhuatl name Cuetlaxóchitl is also connected with the plant; it is often translated as “flower that withers.” Mexico even observes a national day honouring the Nochebuena on December 8.

A common mix-up is calling the red bracts petals. Another is assuming “poinsettia” is the Mexican name: that English name honours Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico, who sent the plant to the United States in 1825. In other Spanish-speaking countries, it may be called Flor de Pascua or Flor de Navidad.