Purple bougainvillea
Bougainvillea spectabilis

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

A climber. As a shrub it can grow 5 m tall and 6 m wide. It has curved thorns. Plants branched often. The leaves are large and oval or round. They are hairy underneath. The flower bracts are rusty red and purple. The flowers are cream and have long hairy tubes.

There are 14-18 Bougainvillea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It does best with sunlight and warmth. It is best with a night temperature of 18-20°C and a day temperature of 24-32°C. It cannot stand frost. It is best in a fertile, well drained soil. It cannot stand waterlogging. It suits slightly acidic soils of pH 5.5-6.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Caribbean, China, Congo DR, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Easter Island, French Guiana, Gambia, Guianas, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rotuma, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, South America, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Triniada-Tobago, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The flower bracts are used in salads and for a drink. CAUTION The correct type of bougainvillea must be used.

Edible parts

Flower bracts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings. They can also be grown by air-layering. It can be grown as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Bagam beli, Boaganvilla, Bugenvil putih, Laingomena, Te akanta

Synonyms

Bougainvillea bracteata Pers.; Bougainvillea brasiliensis Rauesch.; and others