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Paper Flower

Bougainvillea spectabilis

Published on Project Noah
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33.1468, -117.009

Field Notes

Description:

Pink/Red variety of bougainvillea. Various leaf and flower stages shown including new leaves in shady area which grow white/light pink. This bush has nasty thorns to protect the delicate flowers. The new, red leaves can be seen at my other spotting: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/10572187

Habitat:

Not native to this area but grows well

Species ID Suggestions

Bouganvillea

Bouganvillea spectabilis
Dangermouse
1

Comments (6)
Dangermouse
I know what you mean, it doesn't make sense to me to use the scientific name as the common name. I was chopping one at work and remembered that - as you say, it makes perfect sense with the flowers. They can last for months once fallen off before they die. Welcome! :)
CindyBinghamKeiser
Oh, I've never heard that name. It makes sense with the flowers! I will update the common name. I don't like using part of the scientific name for the common name. Thank you again!
Dangermouse
I just remembered that this is sometimes called 'paper flower' as well.
CindyBinghamKeiser
Ouch! Ya the thorns are really nasty. We've been lucky so far, only scraped up. Thank you for the scientific name! I'll update now.
Dangermouse
Most bouganvillea don't actually have a full scientific name - just bouganvillea. But this is most like spectabilis as it's the most common. We have a lot of them over here, unfortunately - one of my least favourite plants due to their vicious thorns! I got one embedded in the end of my little finger last year...and it's still there! Great plants for deterring unwanted visitors, though! :D

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Flowers of North America
Mission
The Color Red
Mission
Southern California Wildlife

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJuly 21, 2011

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