Palicourea elata - A plant with "lips".
- bioworld090
- Jun 25, 2022
- 2 min read
Palicourea elata by IROZ
INTRODUCTION
Palicourea elata is a species of tropical plant found in Central and Southern American rainforests. It is a member of the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee, madder, or bedstraw family. The most notable features of this plant are its red-coloured bracts that resemble the lips of a human. Due to this reason, it is also known by names such as hooker's lips, girlfriend's kiss, hot lips, and labios de puta. Earlier, it was known as Psychotria elata but then this species was transferred to the genus Palicourea.
DESCRIPTION
P. elata generally grows 1 to 3 meters in length but it can also grow to a height of 4 meters, although it is occasional. It is found in the understory layer(the region between the forest canopy and forest floor) of rainforests where the absence of harsh rays of the sun and the presence of high humidity and moisture make the conditions perfect for the growth of this plant.
Its most distinctive feature, the red-coloured bracts, are just modified or specialized leaves. The two bracts are arranged laterally and a small space is left between them through which flowers come out. The flowers, as shown in the picture above, are small, white, and star-shaped and, bloom from December to March. The flowers produce dark blue-coloured berries.
DISTRIBUTION
Palicourea elata is found in Central and Southern American rainforests. The countries where it grows include Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ITS "LIPS"
The red "lips" of P. elata, the reason why it is pretty famous and admired, play a very significant role in the perpetuation of the plant. As the plant does not give off any scent, it uses its bright red "lips" to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
SIGNIFICANCE OF P. elata
The flower of P. elata is used as a treatment for dyspnea by native Panamanians and Colombians. Some communities in Nicaragua use it to help with the side effects of snake bites. It is also said to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, although there has been very little research done on its medical properties. P. elata is one of the host plants for the rare golden silk moth.
CONSERVATION STATUS
The future of the beautiful P. elata seems to be in danger as its number has been decreasing in recent years. The main reason for its endangered status is deforestation. As this plant requires the shade of other trees to protect it from the harsh rays of the sun and requires very specific conditions to grow, any damage to those trees affects the growth and population of this plant.
The other reasons for its endangered status are climate change, over-harvesting, and loss of habitat.
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