Paper flower

Although this vigorous climber has a common name it is usually called simply ‘Bougainvillea’. B. glabra is one of the few species of horticultural importance among the 14 species of the South American genus Bougainvillea. Bouganvilleas have vicious thorns, so the frequent pruning can be a painful task. Magenta is the common flower colour, but there are several hybrids (e.g. Bougainvillea X buttiana) varying from white, through shades of pink, red to orange and yellow. As with Poinsettia the alleged blossoms are pseudanthiums with brilliantly coloured, papery bracts whereas the true flowers are small, white and unimpressive.