Bougainvillea, a vibrant ornamental plant, often prompts questions about its safety and edibility. While it adds beauty to many gardens, it is generally not recommended for widespread culinary use. Certain parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested or handled improperly.
Distinguishing Bougainvillea’s Parts
The showy, paper-like structures that give bougainvillea its distinctive appearance are not true flowers. These are modified leaves known as “bracts,” which come in various colors like pink, purple, red, and orange. The actual flowers are small, often white or yellow, and found nestled within these colorful bracts. Understanding this distinction is helpful, as different parts of the plant carry varying levels of concern.
Bougainvillea Toxicity and Symptoms
Bougainvillea sap contains irritating compounds, including calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in the leaves, stems, and roots. Contact with the sap can lead to skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and a burning sensation.
Ingestion of bougainvillea parts can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While severe toxicity is uncommon, consumption is not advised due to these irritating compounds. The plant’s sharp thorns can also cause skin punctures, which may lead to further irritation.
What to Do After Accidental Contact or Ingestion
If skin contact occurs with bougainvillea sap, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This helps remove irritating compounds and reduce reaction severity. Monitor the area for persistent redness, itching, or swelling.
After accidental ingestion, especially by children or pets, rinse the mouth immediately. For mild symptoms like mouth irritation or minor stomach upset, observation is often sufficient. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or if a significant amount of plant material has been consumed, seek medical advice or contact a poison control center.
Traditional and Non-Culinary Uses
While not commonly consumed in Western diets, the colorful bracts of certain bougainvillea species are used in some traditional cuisines. These bracts can be eaten raw in salads, fried, or used to make beverages like teas in regions of South America and Asia. They are valued for a subtly sweet, floral, and mildly bitter taste.
Beyond culinary applications, bougainvillea has found uses in traditional medicine, particularly in Central and South America. Various parts of the plant, including bracts, leaves, and roots, have been used in infusions or decoctions for ailments such as coughs, sore throats, respiratory issues, and to support digestion. Bougainvillea bracts have also been explored as a source of natural dye for textiles and food coloring. Traditional medicinal uses do not replace professional medical advice, and caution is advised when considering any plant for therapeutic purposes.
General Plant Safety in Your Garden
Practicing general plant safety in your garden helps prevent unintended exposures. Identify all plants, especially if you have young children or pets, to make informed decisions regarding their placement and handling.
Wear gloves when gardening, particularly when pruning or handling plants like bougainvillea with thorns or irritating sap. After gardening, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any lingering plant residues. Keep unknown plant parts away from children and pets to ensure a safe outdoor environment.