Bougainvillea or Paper Flower

Bougainvillea or Paper Flower (Bouganvillea glabra Choisy in DC.) is an evergreen, climbing woody plant with a twisted trunk. It grows up to 10 metres in height and is native to Brazil. Its leaves are bright green and have pink, mauve, carmine or red bracts, depending on the variety. The bracts (false leaves) give this plant its ornamental interest. In Granada, this plant has to withstand the cold winter weather and therefore needs to be grown in south-facing, protected areas, as is the case with the magnificent specimen located in the Patio de la Acequia (Court of the Main Canal) in the Generalife. For over 50 years, the brightness of its colours in the summer months has given the Court a somewhat exotic atmosphere. This plant has become associated with the recent image of the Court and inevitably generates a multitude of opinions and comments among visitors.