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| Our Bougainvillea in Summer |
A fourth backyard flora graces our home, and its name has struck and charmed me: "bougainvillea." Where does it come from? I remember the World War II battle fought in the South Pacific on Bougainville. What do the flowering bush or vine and the
island have to do with each other, if anything?
In 1766-69, French botanist Philibert Commerçon accompanied Louis Antoine de Bougainville, admiral and explorer, on a circumnavigation of the globe. Commerçon discovered and named the South American climbing vine for his ship's captain. When they reached the Solomon Islands, Captain Bougainville named one of its
islands for himself. Therefore, despite the common namesake, it's possible the bougainvillea does not grow on Bougainville.
This plant (name included) has enhanced our yard and home for more than forty years.
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| Click on photo to enlarge |
In 1766-69, French botanist Philibert Commerçon accompanied Louis Antoine de Bougainville, admiral and explorer, on a circumnavigation of the globe. Commerçon discovered and named the South American climbing vine for his ship's captain. When they reached the Solomon Islands, Captain Bougainville named one of its islands for himself. Therefore, despite the common namesake, it's possible the bougainvillea does not grow on Bougainville. 
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