Why I Love the Bougainvillea Flower

Summary

The article reflects on the personal significance and historical background of the bougainvillea flower, particularly its connection to the author's childhood memories and its symbolic meaning of passion and beauty.

Abstract

The author, reminiscing about their childhood in Miami, Florida, recalls the importance of learning about local flowers in school, with the bougainvillea holding a special place in their heart despite it not being present in their mother's garden. The official state flower, the orange blossom, and the secondary state flower, the hibiscus, were also part of their curriculum. The bougainvillea, named after Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, is celebrated for its vibrant bracts and is symbolic of passionate attraction. The flower's history is intertwined with the late 18th-century global expedition of Admiral de Bougainville and his botanist, Philibert Commerson, along with Commerson's assistant, Jeanne Baret, who disguised herself as a man to join the voyage. The article also provides interesting facts about the bougainvillea's naming and its status as a showy shrub in South Florida.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep personal affection for the bougainvillea flower, which evokes nostalgic childhood memories.
The bougainvillea is considered a symbol of passion and beauty, and its vibrant colors are particularly noted.
The author finds the history of the bougainvillea's discovery and naming to be fascinating, especially the role of Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe.
The bougainvillea's significance is highlighted not just in the author's personal life but also in the broader context of Florida's flora and the state's historical association with flowers, as indicated by Ponce de Leon's naming of the region.

If you grow up in a place like Florida, of course, learning the names of flowers is a standard part of your elementary education.

I grew up in Miami, Florida. One of the things I remember being taught in elementary school was ABOUT Florida. We had to learn not only the state’s history but we had to learn the names of flowers that grew in Florida. After all, Ponce de Leon did call it Florida because of all the flowers he saw when he arrived.

I remember my teacher taught me that the official state flower is the orange blossom and the hibiscus is sort of a secondary state flower. I had to remember. We were tested on it. LOL. But when my teacher taught me about the bougainvillea ~ test or no test ~ I have never forgotten. I love this flower! My mom always planted lot of different flowers in her garden, but she never planted bougainvilleas. No matter because my neighbor’s home was adorned with them. Every time I see this flower, it brings back wonderful childhood memories.

Do you have a particular flower that brings back memories every time you see it?

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BOUGAINVILLEA:

“The stunning bougainvillea flower carries the symbolic meaning of passion and beauty. This evergreen vine’s “blooms” — actually brightly colored bracts — grow in stunning shades of red, pink, and more. When given as a gift, it’s easy to see why the language of flowers uses bougainvillea as a symbol of passionate attraction.”

“Bougainvillea is named after Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a late 18th-century explorer.”

This flower has a very interesting history. This is how it really got its name.

“In the late 1700s, Admiral Louis Antoine de Bougainville was circumnavigating the globe with his official botanist, Philibert Commerson.

Unknown to the rest of the crew, Commerson’s assistant, a (female) herbalist named Jeanne Baret, was also on board. At that time, women weren’t allowed on explorations. Baret disguised herself as a man and credited her many botanical discoveries to Commerson.

Baret brought a bougainvillea plant to the ship, after finding it growing in the mountains around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sometime after, the crew discovered Baret’s true identity and her life was in danger. In order to gain Admiral de Bougainville’s protection, Commerson agreed to name the plant after him.”

“Native to Brazil, Bougainvillea is truly one of the showiest shrubs we have during the fall and winter months here in South Florida. Its spectacular color comes from its heart-shaped papery bracts. …”