The top leaves of the poinsettia, known as bracts, are flaming red, pink, or white and are often mistaken as flowers. The actual flowers are the small yellow structures found in the center of each leaf bunch.

Image by Old Shoe Woman.

The photo below is a great closeup shot of the true flowers of a poinsettia plant. The poinsettia true flowers in this picture are just opening. Unopened true flowers is one important sign that the poinsettia blooms will last a long time. This is an important tip when buying poinsettias.

Image by Tzatziki.

The technical term for this type of structure is Cyathium (plural is Cyathia.) In these flower clusters there are one female and several male flowers.

Image by Tzatziki.

The fully opened poinsettia true flowers with yellow pollen dust on them is a sign the plant is fully mature and will soon lose its blooms and colored leaves (bracts).

Image by Old Shoe Woman.