Bougainvillea spectabilis

A large, vigorous, spreading shrub with arching and spiny branches. Leaves are large, entire, ovate, lanceolate, bright green. Flowers are small, cream, inconspicuous, found in the centre of three brightly coloured bracts. The colour depends on the variety and maybe rose, pink, red, gold, purple, orange and yellow to white. Blooms throughout the year. Fruits are pear-shaped capsules surrounded by persistent bract but are rarely seen in the Arab gulf.

Bougainvillaea glabra is heat and drought tolerant and frost-sensitive. It is easily propagated by cuttings. It needs full sunlight, warm weather and well-drained soil to flower well.