Known as the “hot lips plant” or “hooker’s lips plant,” Psychotria elata is a breathtaking example of tropical flora and is native to the jungles of Costa Rica, Ecuador, and numerous other Central and South American countries.
The unique feature of this plant is its bract-like leaves. These bracts resemble human lips in that they have two lips. This striking feature draws pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
The bracts resemble ripe fruit because of their vivid color and delicious texture. This draws pollinators to them, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Perhaps they will spread pollen from bloom to bloom as they investigate. The true blooms are tiny and star-shaped, although they are not as noticeable as the eye-catching bracts.
The bracts, which are white and fragrant and typically emerge from the core of the “red hot” bracts between December and March, are more noteworthy than the plant’s blossom, according to the CGTN.
In Central America, giving a plant to a loved one is a common gesture, particularly on Valentine’s Day. The locals also utilize its bark and leaves to treat a variety of illnesses, including skin irritation.
Regrettably, deforestation and climate change are also responsible for the plant’s continuous decline. Thus, in order to preserve the existence of this threatened species and save us from having to say goodbye to it, more care and protection must be given.
