Family: Nyctaginaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 2: 348 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bougainvillea
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. & S. Brazil
Description
The Great Bougainvillea, botanically known as Bougainvillea spectabilis, is a striking and vibrant plant that adorns gardens and landscapes across many regions. This plant is native to East and South Brazil, where it thrives in its natural habitat. It belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, a group of flowering plants known for their vivid and diverse floral displays.
Described scientifically by Willd. in 1799 in “Species Plantarum” (4th edition, volume 2, page 348), the Great Bougainvillea has captured the attention of botanists and horticulturists for over two centuries. The plant is renowned for its large, showy bracts which come in various hues including pink, purple, red, orange, and white. These bracts surround the small, inconspicuous, creamy-white true flowers, adding a burst of color and life to any environment.
The structural characteristics of Bougainvillea spectabilis make it an excellent choice for decorative purposes. It is a vigorous climber, often seen covering trellises, walls, and fences with its dense foliage and cascading clusters of flowers. Additionally, its thorny stems provide a natural deterrent to certain pests, contributing to its resilience and ease of maintenance.
The Great Bougainvillea prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil, flourishing in warmer climates. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will support continuous blooming and healthy growth. Pruning is essential to manage its size and shape, ensuring the plant does not become too unruly and continues to bloom profusely.
In landscape design, Bougainvillea spectabilis serves multiple roles, from ornamental statement pieces to practical solutions such as privacy screens and natural barriers. Its ability to thrive in containers also makes it a popular choice for patio and balcony gardeners, enabling the plant’s beauty to be appreciated in a variety of settings.
In summary, the Great Bougainvillea is a versatile and visually captivating plant that brings a touch of tropical flair to gardens around the world. Its historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and adaptability make it a cherished addition to any plant collection.
Common Names
Eng: great bougainvillea
Por: primavera, roseira-do-mato, tapirica, três-marias
Swe: stor trillingblomma
En: Great bougainvillea, Brazil Bougainvillea, Paper flower, Bougainvillea, Morinda spruce, Bougainvilla
Ca: Buguenvíl·lea vermella
Zh: Ye zi hua
Fr: Bougainvillée admirable, Bougainvillée remarquable, Bougainvillée élégante, Bougainvillier admirable
It: Buganvillea
Pt: Três-marias, Primavera, Tapirica, Roseira-do-mato, Buganvília
Pt-br: Três-marias, Espinho-de-Santa-Rita, Buganvilia, Primavera
Es: Bouganvillea, Trinitaria, Santa rita, Buganvilia
Sv: Stor trillingblomma
Synonyms
- Bougainvillea spectabilis marmorata (Van Geert)
- Bougainvillea spectabilis var. hirsutissima (J.A.Schmidt)
- Tricycla spectabilis ((Willd.) Poir.)
- Bougainvillea speciosa (Schnizl.)
- Bougainvillea brasiliensis (J.F.Gmel.)
- Bougainvillea spectabilis var. virescens ((Choisy) J.A.Schmidt)
- Bougainvillea spectabilis var. typica (Heimerl)
- Bougainvillea spectabilis var. parviflora (Mart. ex J.A.Schmidt)
- Josepha augusta (Vell.)
- Bougainvillea virescens (Choisy)
- Bougainvillea bracteata (Pers.)
- Bougainvillea peruviana (Nees & Mart.)
Distribution
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil West-Central (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 4, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2018 by alieno.fi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2016 by Carmen Novo Carrasco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2016 by Meera Aneez (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 4, 2021 by JM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Castle Castle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by García Marcos (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Luca Favorido (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2019 by Mira Krieckel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2019 by sara garnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2019 by Magrin Lucia (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 1, 2016 by Tevaite Carrere (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2016 by Nate McNamara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Silvia Domínguez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Keerthan Machaiah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 22, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 27, 2016 by Camila Martinez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Amanda Alia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Thierry Marandel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by redcilleros34 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2020 by peñarrubia lola (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Anikó (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2019 by Bangueses Xosé (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Dimitra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Pop Ovidiu (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7167078)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd.)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:604358-1)