Bougainvillea peruviana

Bougainvillea peruviana is a vine, tree, or shrub native to Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It reproduces by seed and can also be propagated through stem cuttings.

It can be identified by its evergreen ovate leaves and distinct small clusters of white-yellowish flowers enclosed in attractive magenta or purple bracts.

Bougainvillea peruviana Classification

  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Spermatophyta
  • Subphylum: Angiospermae
  • Class: Dicotyledonae
  • Order: Caryophyllales
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae
  • Genus: Bougainvillea 
  • Species: Bougainvillea peruviana
  • Common Names: Peruvian bougainvillea and Tricycla peruviana

Nativity and Distribution

B. peruviana is native to Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, hence the name “Peruvian bougainvillea”. It has been introduced to other regions and countries, including the Bahamas, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Physical Characteristics

It has green ovate leaves and magenta or purple flower bracts
It has green ovate leaves and magenta or purple flower bracts. Image: inaturalist/taronson
  • Leaves: Glabrous, green, ovate leaves
  • Fruits: Inconspicuous, dry, elongated achene
  • Stems: Deep green stems with short and straight spines
  • Flowers: White, yellowish flowers surrounded by attractive pink to magenta bracts
  • Roots: Fibrous root system

Peruvian bougainvillea is one of the species of Bougainvillea that grows up to 12 m tall. It is a popular ornamental plant in many countries globally.

You can easily identify it by its evergreen ovate leaves and distinct small clusters of flowers enclosed in attractive purple bracts.

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The leaves are glabrous, ovate, evergreen, and 2-4 cm long. Stems are deeply green with short and straight spines, which help the plant to climb over other vegetation.

Bougainvillea peruviana produces small white, yellowish flowers surrounded by vibrant pink to magenta bracts.

The fruit is an inconspicuous, dry, elongated achene.

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

  • Life Cycle: Perennial 
  • Seeds: It produces 1-2 seeds per flower
  • Climate: Tropical, Subtropical, and Mediterranean climates
  • Dispersal: Wind and water

B. Peruviana behaves as a perennial and prefers tropical, subtropical, and mediterranean climates. It can also tolerate hot and dry conditions. 

However, in extremely hot or frosty conditions, it may become deciduous. The ornamental plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil and full sun.

While it may produce seeds that are dispersed by wind and water, it is mainly propagated through stem and root cuttings. 

Uses 

A beautiful ornamental display of the Peruvian bougainvillea
A beautiful ornamental display of the Peruvian bougainvillea. Image: Flickr/d&wahrheit

The Peruvian bougainvillea is used as an ornamental plant in residential, commercial, and public spaces for its attractive bracts. It can be grown outdoors on fences and pergolas or indoors in large hanging baskets. 

Bougainvillea peruviana, combined with other bougainvillea species, is also used to make other cultivars such as Bougainvillea x buttiana.

The plant may have been used in some cultures as traditional medicine for diarrhea, coughs, and bronchitis. 

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Impact on Farms and Environment

As a vine and climbing plant, the Bougainvillea peruviana has the potential to become an aggressive weed in landscapes. It uses its spiny stems to climb on shrubs and trees, leading to poor growth and, in other cases, suffocation. 

If left unattended, it can suppress the growth of other vegetation, overtaking large parts of a landscape.

The plant’s short spines can puncture the skin, causing injury, while the sap may result in skin irritation.  

Control 

  • Mechanical control: Cut the climbing stems and pull out the roots
  • Chemical control: Apply a non-selective herbicide such as triclopyr or glyphosate 

To control unwanted growth, cut the climbing stems and pull out the shallow roots. Ensure that you wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid injury.

For larger plants, cut the upper climbing segments of the plant and apply a non-selective herbicide like triclopyr or glyphosate on the remaining stumps to kill the bougainvillea.