Friday, June 5, 2009

Blooming Friday

bougainvillea in La Reunion, France


Here are some photos of a bougainvillea taken in La Reunion Island. How I would love to grow them, but since they require a lot of sun and we don’t have a greenhouse, I just have to content myself with looking at them when visiting places with a warm climate or in botanical parks.


The gay colors of their flowers (white, red, orange, yellow, etc) reflect the high-spirit of tourists on vacation… especially on a lush, breezy place by the sea. And speaking of flowers, I didn’t know that the real flowers of a bougainvillea are the three, tiny, generally white flowers in the center. The “petals” around it are actually bracts --- specialized leaf to attract pollinators. Well, they are certainly fulfilling their function quite well!


And to those living in a temperate climate, having them on your walls and trellises will not only attract bees and butterflies but will also lend a tropical air to your surroundings... even for only a few months *smiles*.

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4 comments:

Bogie said...

Very nice photos Lareine. The bougainvillea looks lovely!

Katarina said...

I would also like to grow Bouganvillea - but I haven't had any luck with them so far. Great shots!
Enjoy your weekend!
Katarina

Nussaibah said...

The first thing I thought when I saw this was BRIGHT. We have these quite a lot here in Mauritius, but I never paid close attention. I guess it's because I'm used to seeing them everywhere. You really brought out that beauty that I fail to see :)

storyteller said...

Ah ... lovely purple blossoms ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

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