Bougainvillea is an evergreen, climbing shrub producing stems up to 10 metres long.
The plant can support itself on other plants by means of thorns carried in the leaf axils, though in cultivation it might need tying in to pergolas etc.
A drink can be made from the flower bracts. The plant is widely grown as an ornamental from the warm temperate to the tropical zones, and is often grown in greenhouses in climates that are unsuitable for it.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Rainforests.

Cultivation Status

Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, it can also be grown in warm temperate and subtropical areas. It is adapted to climates with a distinct dry season and does not flower well in perpetually humid conditions.
Prefers a sunny position in a rich, well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

The flower bracts are used for making an attractive, violet-coloured drink, known as 'Agua de Buganvilia'.
It is said to have a refreshingly delicate taste.

Medicinal

The plant contains pinitol, which is considered to be helpful in the treatment of non-insulin diabetes.
A study of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaves has shown good glucose tolerance and significantly reduced intestinal glucosidase activity, with regeneration of insulin-producing cells and increase in plasma insulin.
Results suggest a potential for the development of new neutraceutical treatment for diabetes.

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings - they can be placed directly into their permanent position so long as it is not too exposed or excessively sunny and arid.
Air layering.