PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Bougainvillea glabra
Lesser Paperflower
Choisy
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A vigorous, sprawling, scandent evergreen woody shrub or vine characterized by paths of sharp, slender, slightly curved axillary thorns. It is globally famous for its spectacular floral displays, where tiny, tubular, creamy-white true flowers are surrounded by three large, brightly colored, papery-textured petaloid bracts ranging from magenta and purple to pink.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Caryophyllales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nyctaginaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Bougainvillea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Choisy
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, primarily Brazil. It has been widely naturalized in warm coastal, sub-humid, and arid environments globally. The species thrives in areas with full, intense sunlight, low to moderate rainfall, and well-drained soils, showing excellent tolerance to coastal winds and drought conditions.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Operates as a highly dynamic scandent shrub that extends long vegetative shoots outwards until they brush against structural support, utilizing its thorns to scale cliffs, walls, or host trees to capture canopy sunlight gaps.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 1200.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Equipped with sharp, recurved axillary thorns that physically anchor the long, flexible branches into the forks of trees and surrounding foliage, enabling it to climb up to the upper canopy for light retrieval.
Exhibits outstanding drought-induced blooming mechanisms; water stress triggers metabolic pathways that slow down leaf generation and accelerate the production of vivid bracts and flowers to optimize reproduction.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No natural conservation threats exist for this species due to its high resilience, pest resistance, and widespread adoption in urban landscaping across all subtropical and tropical biogeographical realms.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The brilliant 'petals' of the paperflower are actually specialized leaves called bracts. The true flowers are the tiny white cylinders nestled at the center, which completely lack petals of their own.