1. A tropical climbing plant with showy, colorful bracts (modified leaves) that are often mistaken for flowers, native to South America.
Usage: Also spelled 'bougainvillea' (more common modern spelling); The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous; the colorful parts are bracts

Examples

• The bougainvillaea vines covered the entire fence with brilliant magenta bracts.
• She planted bougainvillaea in her garden because it thrives in warm, sunny climates.
• The hotel courtyard was decorated with cascading bougainvillaea in shades of pink and purple.
• Bougainvillaea requires well-draining soil and minimal water once established.
• The vibrant bougainvillaea flowers attracted butterflies and hummingbirds to the patio.