A blonde bougainvillea

When Hurricane Georges passed this way in September 1998 with winds of 
240kph/150mph, it blew away a large bougainvillea plant along my 
driveway, leaving only a shattered trunk 15cm/6in in diameter projecting 
about 10cm/4 in above the soil. This vigorous, tall-growing cultivar is 
sometimes known as B. 'Vicky' in the US horticultural trade, having 
variegated leaves (yellow with green edges) and bracts of two colours 
(white and magenta), the bracts of both colours often appearing on the 
same stem.

Having read that established bougainvilleas killed down to the ground by 
frost (which never happens here) recover quickly, I expected to see new 
growth emerge from the trunk remnant before long. But none did until 
three weeks ago, sixteen months after the hurricane passed (two 
subsequent hurricanes called in during October and November 1999). There 
are now three branches 60cm/24 in long, and several smaller ones, all 
heavily leafed. 

The new branches are yellow, except for a hint of green where they emerge 
from the trunk, which is normal with this plant, but all the many 
emergent leaves are entirely yellow, which is not although the newest 
leaves show a faint blush of green which disappears quickly when the 
leaves are a few days old. The leaves measure up to 7.5cm/3 in long and 
are considerably more crinkled than normal though not otherwise deformed. 
No bracts have yet appeared. The soil here is acid clay and the plant is 
out in the full tropic sun. If anyone would care to see this blonde 
prodigy, I can send a digital snap by attachment.

Can any shed a little light on this phenomenon? 

Warm regards,

William Glover

**********************

William Glover
Mango Corners, Jones Estate
NEVIS, West Indies (Antilles)

wmglover@caribsurf.com
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index