bougainvillea

What is another word for bougainvillea? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A flowering shrub or climbing plant from South America with brightly coloured papery bracts surrounding small flowers.

We haven't recorded synonyms for bougainvillea yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use bougainvillea

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

climbing bougainvillea bougainvillea bracts a wall of bougainvillea flowering bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a standard botanical and everyday name, with no informal alternative in common use.

Etymology

Bougainvillea takes its name from the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who lived from 1729 to 1811. The plant's scientific name was formed from his surname with the ending -a added.

Full origin of bougainvillea →

Frequently asked questions

What is a bougainvillea?

It is a flowering shrub or vine from South America, prized for its bright, papery bracts that surround small flowers.

Why is it called bougainvillea?

It is named after the French admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

What colour are bougainvillea flowers?

The true flowers are small and plain, but the showy colour comes from bracts, which can be shades such as pink, purple or red.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of bougainvillea