About Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd.
Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. is a woody vine or shrub that grows to heights of 15 to 40 feet, or 4.6 to 12.2 meters. It has heart-shaped leaves and thorny stems covered in fine soft hairs. Its actual flowers are typically small, white, and not prominent, and are framed by several brightly colored modified leaves known as bracts. Bract color varies widely, and can be white, red, mauve, purple-red, or orange. Its fruit is a small, dry, elongated achene that is also inconspicuous. This species is native to Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Chubut Province, Argentina, but has been introduced to many other regions around the world. For cultivation, Bougainvillea spectabilis grows in hardiness zones 10 to 11. It prefers full sun exposure, dry growing conditions, and fertile soil. It can be propagated from both stem and root cuttings. In traditional medicine, the Yanadi tribe of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India historically used the leaves of Bougainvillea spectabilis to treat diabetes.
