The navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811) gave his name to this genus. Originally from tropical and sub-tropical America. Popularly known as the "Paper Flower" with very delicate deep pink flowers that look like paper, hence the name "Paper Flower". Actually, the flowers are bracts of leaves at the tip of the stems that turn brilliant pink in color. Can bloom for most of the year if given sufficient sun. Does very well indoors.