Kingdom: Plantae

Sub kingdom: Tracheobionta

Superdivision: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Subclass: Caryophyllidae 

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Genus: Bougainvillea

Species: Bougainvillea glabra

• The glossy leaves of bougainvillea can be green or variegated and are usually smooth and hairless, though some may have tiny hairs. The bracts which are modified leaves, come in red, pink, and purple hues. Around the center of these colorful bracts, the actual flowers are typically much smaller and generally white.

• Bougainvillea is best suited to a hot, dry climate and should be watered deeply but allowed to dry out between waterings. Once established, they are drought resistant. It is a woody climber with curved thorns that sprawls and needs to be tied or have a structure such as a fence, wall, or pergola for support. It is naturalized in Hawaii and parts of Texas and Florida, also native to Brazil and Peru. 

• Alkaloids 

• Flavonoids 

• Tannins 

• Glycolides 

• Quinones 

• Triterpenoids 

• Phenols 

• Sterols

Industrial Use: 

• Bougainvillea is a pollution tolerant plant and can help in the mitigation of air pollution besides its ornamental value in the landscaping. 

Pharmaceutical Use: 

• Bougainvillea glabra flower extract is a botanical ingredient obtained from the flowers of the Bougainvillea glabra plant. It provides antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition, which are advantageous for skin health. This extract helps protect the skin from oxidative damage. The extract has antioxidant properties that help shield the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. Additionally, it possesses soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for calming irritated skin and supporting a healthy complexion. 

Pharmacological Use: 

• In Mexico, an infusion is used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. The flowers, either on their own or mixed with other medicinal plants, have been used for centuries in Mexican traditional medicine to treat coughs and respiratory issues. A related species, Bougainvillea glabra, has also been discovered to possess significant properties as a botanical insecticide.