One of the most popular tropical vines in Colombia, that can be kept in shrub or tree form due to the tropical climate. Bougainvilleas are more common on the coast than the interior.The flowers are inconspicuous. Many vibrant colors are available in Colombia. Bougainvillea grows vigorously, needs no supplemental water, and with its thorns can provide added protection and beautification for walls. Many Colombians have walls surrounding their side and back property and use multi-colored, broken bottles cemented to the top of the wall as added protection. It is very ugly and can easily be breached by breaking the glass off the portion of the wall you want to scale. Like most things in Colombia, walls are rarely maintained. It would be much better to hide the broken glass and dirty walls with Bougainvilleas or other vines for added security and beauty. Having this vine growing on top of the roof would also provide added protection and beautification. Many houses are robbed via the roof where tile or shingles are easily lifted to allow access inside. Again, most Colombians don´t maintain anything, so roofs lose their color quickly and turn dreary. This vine can provide color and a couple of feet of layered protection. It is a simple and inexpensive improvement, yet rarely done in Colombia where security is a concern, but beautifying your surroundings is not. Photographed in the department of Atlántico and Quindio.