Question
Are the blooms on a bougainvilla flowers, or are they leaves?  I have heard answers both ways and am confused.
thanks
Ley Borlo

Answer
Ley,

In actuality the flowers of Bougainvillea (Bougainvil'lea) are small and inconspicuous surrounded by brightly colored bracts. These bracts are often referred to as the flowers but they are leaves modified to act much as petals and sepals do in other plants.

By comparison the same is true of Poinsettia.

Have a Happy New Year.

Scot