The Brussels Post, 1977-12-14, Page 10DO, Op.. gitio
41%
4ttr.
,44T`'s 4'"
*fit.
701 00`
I 4
10—THE BRUSSELS POST, DECEMBER 14, 1977
Poinsettia
f6Isely
accused
Since 1919, stories unsubstan,
dated by medical and scientific
fact have circulated about the
poinsettia at Christmas time,
when the plant is at the peak of its
popularity, According to one tale,
the two-year-old child of an Army
officer stationed in Hawaii died
from eating a poinsettia left
(bract).
This unfortunate, unfounded
story helped scare people into
thinking that the poinsettia is
poisonous. It has led to the belief
that parts of the plant, if ingested
by humans or pets, could be
lethal. .
Poinsettia Exonerated
To scientifically resolve the
charges against the poinsettia,
and to alleviate public fear
concerning its alleged toxicity,
the floral industry launched an
intensive investigation. The
Society of American Florists,
America's floriculture national
trade association, collaborated
with The Ohio State University on
a poinsettia research project: The
objective was to determine
whether there is any foundation
to the allegation that the
poinsettia (scientific name:
Euphorbia PU Icherrima) is a
poisonous plant.
The study established that the
rat, when given unusually high
doses of the poinsettia, shows no
mortality, no symptoms of
toxicity, and no changes in
dietary intake or general behavior
pattern.
The Ohio State University
research on the poinsettia plant
has effectively debunkod old
wives' tales" that the poinsettia
is harmful to human and animal
health if parts of the plant arc
ingested.
In 1975 7' approximately
2,500.000 peinettia plants were
used by' 'Canadians to provide a
touch of beauty, color, warmth,
and comfort in their daily lives.
Poinsettia plants offered for
sale to the Canadian public arc
cultivated and grown in
greenhouses. Because of concen-
trated plant breeding and
selection, these plants are very
hardy. They are now available in
colors ranging from the tradi-
tional scarlet to white, pink, and
even variegated.
Poinsettias are green plants
with long-lived bracts (vividly
colored leaves), and
golden-yellow flowers. For
increased enjoyment in the home:
* Place in a room with sufficient
natural light to read fine
print.
* Avoid any drafts or excess
heat from appliances, radia-
tors, and ventilating ducts.
* Select a place to put plant
which is up and out of the
traffic, keep out of the way
of unmonitored children
and animals:
* Put plant in a water-proof con-
tainer to protect furnishings.
* Water plant thoroughly when
soil is dry to touch, always
discard the excess water.
* Ideal temperatures should
never exceed 72 degrees day
or 60 degrees night to
prolong bright color of bracts.
when bracts fade, cut back plant
to,8 inches to grow as a foliage
plant, May be placed out,of,doors
when outside temperatures are
Warm. Avoid temperatures below
50 degrees F night throughout
Rettittit to room for direct light 6
to .8 h 6040 degrees
night tetriperatatires. Pot
refloweringitt the winter, starting.
Oct. 1. avoid artificial, light at
111' to4' 40i•
• .4.r. -It .4 .1*:.•04.10/1 .44', )" • :it: 'W.,,4* `•7" 1-01' '
That'll Last All Year Long!
Y NOW AND
SAVE
Cost increases have forced
The Brussels Post to raise
its subscription price to $9.per year
ut until Saturday, December 24
you can buy a subscription
at the old rate
$8. (per year)
••••• •••••••
Please enter a Subscription in the name of:
Name
Address
From:
From:
Address
Addiess
1 0 Indicate here if Gift Card is to be sent. I
1 0 Please bill me. Enclosed. ' I
THE BRUSSELS POST
Brussels, Ontario
I
0 Indicate here if Gift Card to be Sent.
I
ly
Please bill me.
4
THE BRUSSELS POST
Brussels, Ontario
Please enter.a Subscription in the name of:
Name I
`
,
I .
1 4
Address
CJ 1 at' $ 8 Enclosed.
I %
i
4dr„,s ,4.1
al
it
'KO 00. .0V:A