The major part of a bougainvillea is not the flowers, but the flamboyant leaves, the three purple leaves we're familiar with. Its flowers are on the pedicel, yellow or white generally, small and noteless.

The reason why the bougainvillea are so beautiful is because of the betalaines contained in the leaves. Purple and soluble in water, it can be used as the textile dyestuff. Besides, with antioxygenation, it can be used as the natural food additives for drinks, sauce, and cakes.

What's more, the bougainvillea are of great medical value. Its leaf extracts are antimicrobial and can diminish acute and chronic inflammation. Its stems are with rich D-Pinitol which effects like insulin and can reduce the blood sugar.