QuickCheck: Is there a plant in the world that looks like a pair of lips?

As the Louis Armstrong classic goes: “You must remember this. A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.”

Just make sure that the one doing the kissing is actually a human and not the Psychotria Elata plant in disguise!

We’ve all heard of tulips, but is it true that there is a plant in the world with two lips?

Verdict:

TRUE

The tropical bush known as Psychotria Elata is characterised by its unique red bracts, which are

a special type of leaf that looks like human lips. It blossoms in the months of December to March.

With an average growth span of 1 to 3m, the Psychotria Elata can stretch up to 4m under optimal conditions.

Nicknamed “Hot Lips”, this species thrives beneath the rainforest canopies across Central and South America in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia.

The Psychotria Elata belongs to the Palicourea genus and emits no fragrance.

It depends solely on its unique appearance to lure pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

After successful pollination and fertilisation, it yields tiny berries in shades of black or dark blue,

which are then scattered by birds.

In addition to its unique bracts, which are given as gifts and are a symbol of love in Central America, the Psychotria Elata has also been used to treat earaches, cough, skin irritation or rashes, snake bites and dyspnea (shortness of breath)

Unfortunately, the combination of its medicinal value and unique visual appeal has resulted in

over-harvesting, placing the plant on the list of endangered species.

Hopefully, through conservation efforts, we can ensure that the Psychotria Elata continues to thrive.

References:

https://worldoffloweringplants.com/psychotria-elata-hot-lips-flower-lips/

https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/287472-Psychotria-elata