Behind my booth at the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival I discovered a plant I'd not seen before. I was struck by Nature's red brushstrokes within the green leaves. So much of the plant reminded me of a poinsettia but then not.
I posted this initial sketch on Flickr and asked if anyone had any idea what this plant was called. Several flickr friends said poinsettia.
I search all my books, but to no avail. I wanted to know this poinsettia like plant's latin name.
John Nelson of the University of South Carolina's Department of Biological Sciences came to the rescue. I sent him my initial sketch and a couple of photographs I took.
Here's what he said: This plant is "fire on the mountain" or "painted leaf", Euphorbia cyathophora. It is indeed related to the poinsettias of commerce. This species is introduced, and is a bit weedy, but I don't think it is really invasive--
I so love it when a mystery can be solved! Thank you, John!!
Great sketch Pam and it really shows the Poinsettia connection - I agree about loving to see the flowers - maybe you can go back and catch it flowering!
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Pam! I've had that same experience with this plant...nice to know the common name, and lovely journal pages!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maree & Kate!
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