Bougainvillea glabra
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Plant Description: This is a climbing shrub with thorny stems. Generally, the height of the plant is about 10–12 ft (3.0–3.7 m). The true flowers are small, tubular, and typically white or cream-colored, located at the center of the plant’s showy bracts. These flowers are often overlooked because the bracts, which are modified leaves, dominate the visual display. The bracts are thin, papery, and come in a wide range of bright colors including magenta, pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Each flower is surrounded by a cluster of bracts, which grow individually in pairs or groups of three on short flower stems. The floral tube is pentagonal and about 2 centimeters long. The plant has six to eight stamens and a small ovary, with the stylus and stigma measuring just a few millimeters.
Plant Trivia: Commonly named Choisy.
Field Identification: Not likely found in the wild in our area, but is utilized as an ornamental patio plant.
Occurrence: Tropical South America
Bloom Period: Year round
Plant Use: Primarily an ornamental plant, Bougainvillea glabra is widely used to enhance gardens, patios, and landscapes with its vibrant bracts It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, adding ecological value. In traditional medicine, infusions of the plant are used to support respiratory health, treat colds, coughs, and gastrointestinal issues, and its extracts are sometimes applied in skincare and hair treatments for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Key to Genera if needed:
stxflora 