A taller plant with larger and more hairy leaves and curved spines up to 5 cm long. The obtuse bracts are rosy-red, white or brick-red to crimson in colour.

Distribution: A native of Brazil.

A less common and more hairy plant than Bougainvillea glabra Choisy, with softly pubescent parts. The bracts can be of various shades of red, purple, orange or white. Sometimes two colour types can be found on the same plant. The flowering is during the hot season and sporadic after periods of drought.