Also -ea, -ia. [Named after the Fr. navigator Bougainville (1729–1811).] A genus of tropical plants of the order Nyctaginaceæ, having flowers almost concealed by large leafy bracts.
1866. Treas. Bot., I. 160/2. Bougainvillæa spectabilis is a climbing shrub or small tree, with alternate leaves and small spines.
1881. Mrs. Praed, Policy & Pass., I. 145. A wide verandah … festooned by bougainvillea.
1883. Sunday Mag., Sept., 547/2. Cascades of bougonvillias, passion-flowers, banksias and roses.
