Bougainvillea

Flowers are Red, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This beautiful bougainvillea lives in my coastal Southern California neighborhood. It lines paths, fences, and driveways throughout. After researching this plants history, I found an article that is superbly written. Instead of giving you second hand information, click the title above, and you'll be taken to the article. Here is the web address if you prefer to cut and paste.
http://www.bgi-usa.com/bougainvillea-resource/bougainvillea-101.php