At this time of the year, you will hopefully enjoy the many Poinsettia plants decorating areas of the Campuses. Poinsettias are native plants in Mexico, where they flower during the winter. These colorful plants are named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first Ambassador from the US to Mexico in 1825. While visiting Mexico, he was intrigued by the poinsettia plants growing locally, and began growing them in his greenhouses in South Carolina. The Ambassador enjoyed sharing them with friends and family. The holiday tradition of sharing these plants continues on today.