Bougainvillea spectabilis (Great Bougainvillea )


Botanical Information

FamilyNyctaginaceae
GenusBougainvillea
Speciesspectabilis
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeShrub (evergreen), Vine
OriginBrazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina .
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-hypercholestrolemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-fertility properties. The Yanadi tribe of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India, once used the leaves to heal diabetes.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-5 - 10
Temperature (°F)23 - 50
Spread4.6 - 12.2 m

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeNormally grown as an ornamental plant.
PropagationBy stem and root cuttings.
CultivationBest grown in full sun with dry conditions and fertile soil.
Notable SpecimensWishing Tree Resort, Tha Phrae, Thailand.
Leaf DescriptionHeart-shaped.
Flower DescriptionSmall and inconspicuous, highlighted by several brightly coloured bracts.
Fruit DescriptionSmall and inconspicuous, dry, with elongated achene.
Colour DescriptionFlowers are white. Bracts range from white, red, mauve, purple-red, or orange. Foliage is yellow-green to medium green.
Texture DescriptionStems are thorny.

Photographs