38. Bougainvillea spectabilis

plant ages. When young they have the shape of an arrowhead, but as they mature these changes and lobes develop at the base of the leaves. The older the plant is, the more lobes the full-sized leaves will have.

Use:

A decoction of the crushed and boiled leaf is used as a wash to treat stomachache. The milky-white sap from a broken stem is applied topically as a remedy for the bite of paraponera ants. The sap is swabbed into the cavity of an aching tooth in order to relieve the pain. The roots and bark are antibacterial and antiinflammatory. They are used in the treatment of superficial and deep wound, and various skin disorders. Extracts of the leaves and bark have been shown to have a dosedependent effect upon treating oedema, showing they are potential sources of principles with high anti-inflammatory activity.

38. Scientific name: Bougainvillea spectabilis WILD.

Common names:

great bougainvillea, bouganvilia

Family:

Nyctaginaceae

Origin: Brazil

Description:

Bougainvillea is an evergreen, climbing shrub producing stems up to 10 metres long. It has heart-shaped leaves and a thorny, pubescent stems. The flowers are generally small, white, and inconspicuous, highlighted by several brightly colored modified leaves called bracts. It is adapted to climates with a distinct dry season and does not flower well in perpetually humid conditions. Prefers a sunny position in a rich, well-drained soil.

Use:

The flower bracts are used for making an attractive, violet-coloured drink, known as 'Agua de Buganvilia'. The plant contains pinitol, which is considered to be helpful in the treatment of noninsulin diabetes.