More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Pinks, Cactuses and Allies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER CAROPHYLLALES
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea (Genus)
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Pinks, Cactuses, and Allies (Order Caryophyllales)
-Four o'Clock Family (Family Nyctaginaceae)
-Bougainvilleas (Genus Bougainvillea)
The genus Bougainvillea is a group of flowering plants in the family Nyctaginaceae, native to South America but widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Known for their vibrant colors and climbing habit. Surrounding the flowers are brightly colored bracts, which come in shades of pink, magenta, purple, orange, red, or white, giving the plant its signature vibrant appearance. These bracts are modified leaves and serve to attract pollinators.
Description
• Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering woody vines, shrubs, and scrambling climbers in the four-o’clock family (Nyctaginaceae). Commonly known as bougainvilleas or paperflowers, these plants are recognized for their colourful, papery bracts, which surround small, usually white, tubular flowers. The bracts may be magenta, pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, or white, depending on the species and cultivar. Many species have thorny stems and simple leaves, and some climb by sprawling over nearby vegetation or structures.
Range
• The genus is native to tropical and subtropical South America, particularly Brazil and neighbouring regions. Bougainvilleas are now widely cultivated in warm climates around the world, including Mexico. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• In their native range, Bougainvillea species grow in warm environments that include tropical forests, woodland edges, scrub, and seasonally dry habitats. Cultivated plants thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and tolerate heat and periods of drought. They are frequently planted along walls, fences, roadsides, and in gardens, where their colourful bracts provide long-lasting ornamental displays.
