[3] Bougainvillea spectabilis grows as a woody vine or shrub, reaching 15 to 40 feet (4.6 to 12.2 m)[4][5] with heart-shaped leaves and thorny, pubescent stems.

[5] The flowers are generally small, white, and inconspicuous, highlighted by several brightly colored modified leaves called bracts.

[3][5] Bougainvillea spectabilis is native to Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Chubut Province, Argentina, but it has been introduced in many other areas.

[3] Bougainvillea spectabilis can grow in hardiness zones 10–11, preferring full sun , dry conditions, and fertile soil.

[3] The Yanadi tribe of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India, once used the leaves of Bougainvillea spectabilis to heal diabetes.