Bougainvillea glabra

HABIT: Bougainvillea glabra, commonly known as bougainvillea, is a woody, evergreen vine or shrub with a sprawling and climbing habit. It has long, thorny stems that can grow horizontally or vertically, depending on the support available. Bougainvillea is known for its vigorous growth and ability to cover large areas with its branches and colorful flowers. It has a sprawling and rambling habit, often forming dense thickets of foliage. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white or cream-colored flowers, which are surrounded by showy, papery bracts in vibrant colors such as pink, purple, red, orange, or yellow. The bracts are responsible for the plant's striking and eye-catching appearance. Bougainvillea glabra is a popular ornamental plant in many tropical and subtropical regions due to its beautiful and long-lasting floral displays.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Not evaluated by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: The traditional uses of Bougainvillea glabra encompass a variety of disorders, including diarrhea, reducing acidity, cough, sore throat, blood vessel health, leucorrhoea, and hepatitis. Leaves are the main part used in traditional preparations. Bougainvillea glabra is known for its reported medicinal properties, including anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, it has been considered to possess larvicidal properties (Md. Zahidul Islam, Md. Tanvir Hossain, Foysal Hossen, Mir Salma Akter and Mohammad Arif Mokammel, 2016. In-vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Bougainvillea glabra Flower. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 10: 228-236.).

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Bougainvillea is widely cherished for its vibrant flowers and is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. While it does not have extensive cultural practices associated with it, it holds symbolic value in some cultures, representing beauty and resilience. Additionally, in certain regions, Bougainvillea is integrated into traditional landscaping, shaped into living fences or arches.