Palicourea elata

Palicourea elata is a tropical plant, formerly classified as Psychotria elata. It occurs in Central and South American rainforests, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Colombia. The plant is commonly called girlfriend kiss, labios de puta and “Hot Lips” because of its distinctly shaped red bracts. These conspicuous structures are leaves rather than flowers. It has been over-harvested and is described as endangered.

Former name

Psychotria elata

Notable feature

Distinctly shaped red bracts

Conservation status

Endangered after over-harvesting