Something appears to have chewed the roots off the well-established bougainvillea outside our front door near Ash and El Norte. I've never known gophers to attack anything that size, and there are no apparent insects involved, but the thing is definitely dead, with nothing but stubs left of the roots.
It penetrated my glove and broke off. I had to get tweezers to remove a very small thorn from my index finger and it looked like I got the whole thing. Within a few hours, my finger was swollen and painful. This morning (about 12 hours later) it is still excruciating to flex.
I currently am recovering from covid and would like to avoid other viruses sneaking into me if possible, so urgent care is an option but not preferable. All I am wondering is, when should I start to worry and go to urgent care despite the pandemic strain?
Thanks for your time.
Edits for anyone who comes back with a similar question in the future.
~24 hours post: still swollen. Not nearly as hot as it was this morning. There was some redness but it was localized to a half inch radius.
They are one of my favorite plants, it looks like my local nursery is selling them too? I feel like Iβve seen them out and about, but just canβt think of where.
I'm having a hard time finding bougainvillea in Austin; anyone know where I can purchase some?
