Regular readers will notice lots of bougainvillea (it’s our favorite photographer’s favorite flower).

Although, to be precise, the flower itself is that tiny white center; the color comes from the surrounding bracts. Native to South America, it’s now found in some 300 different varieties around the world.

According to Wikipedia: The plant was classified in Brazil in 1768 by Philibert Commerçon, a botanist accompanying French Navy admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville during his voyage of circumnavigation. (He, of course, named it for his patron.)

These blooms were captured at El Djem, Tunisia.

(Photo ©2008 by Susan McKee)