Poinsettia plant--BFP-437G cultivar

Abstract

A new and distinct Euphorbia pulcherrima cultivar named BFP-437G is provided which exhibits attractive long-lasting Current Red bracts and dark green foliage. This new cultivar is the product of a phenotypical transformation following grafting (as described). A number of characteristics of the Dynasty (H518) cultivar U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,150) are transformed upon grafting to an understock of the LADY cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,763) to yield a stable and distinctive new cultivar which exhibits a combination of characteristics which are incapable of prediction in advance. More specifically, the new cultivar when compared to its Dynasty (H518) parent exhibits, inter alia, more and quicker root formation, a shorter flowering response period, larger bracts particularly on developing plants, more response to growth regulators, a fuller growth habit with more extensive basal branching, and superior leaf and bract retention following harvest.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant resulting from a phenotypical transformation of the Dynasty (H518) scion cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,150) when grafted on a rootstock of the LADY cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,763), substantially as herein illustrated and described, wherein the following characteristics are present when compared to the Dynasty (H518) cultivar: (a) exhibits a propensity to root substantially earlier with the formation of more fibrous roots,   (b) exhibits under natural short days a response period to initiate bract coloration of 71/2 vs. 81/2 weeks when grown in central California,   (c) exhibits a larger bract size particularly on developing plants,   (d) forms attractive long-lasting Current Red bracts,   (e) is more responsive to growth regulators,   (f) exhibits more extensive basal branching, and   (g) exhibits superior post-harvest qualities such as leaf and bract retention.