Christmas Cactus history is very interesting. The plant is a tropical oneand is different from the cacti that grow in the desert. The original home of theChristmas Cactus is in the Latin American rain forests. They are widely available in Brazil. The genus name of the Christmas Cactus is Schlumbergera and the species is bridesii. The name has originated from a 19th century Frenchman whom collected the cacti. The plant is not really a cactus but is called a cactus because it looks like cactus and blooms somewhere near the Christmas time.
Christmas Cactus has flat stems looking like leaves and the flowers are usually of a very deep red color. The Christmas cactus history sheds light on how this plant became such an integral part of Christmas festivities. Pine and fir trees are evergreens and are normally found in cold climates. The cold and harsh winter conditions dull the spirit of many and an evergreen bough or tree warmly decorated puts the mind on a more cheerful frame. But there are several countries where pine and fir trees are not available. So the custom of decorating the Christmas cactus as Christmas tree came into being. We find this tradition in the dry and hot places. Africa, Australia, some of the Latin American countries has Christmas cactus for their Christmas tree. The tree is decorated just like pine or fir trees, but there are local or rather, native flowers or any other decorative items.
So we find from the Christmas cactus history how the different parts of the world have varied types of Christmas trees. Learn more on this fascinating piece of history from Christmas Carnivals.
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