In the United States and Canada, poinsettias are so closely connected with Christmas that it’s hard to remember they’re a semi-tropical plant.

Along the Bund in Shanghai, China, they’re resplendent in planters when offset with bright green coleus — a pairing not seen in North America. This decorative container was snapped in mid-November by our intrepid photographer.

According to Wikipedia, poinsettia (or, Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America.

(Photo © by Susan McKee)