The bright red bits that resemble a Hooker’s bright red lips are bracts, not petals The leaf-like bracts are only in their kissable state for a few days before opening to reveal the little yellow and white flowers within.The Hooker’s lips plant is native to the tropical region of Columbia, Costa Rica, Panama, but due to its popularity with collectors and the deforestation of its natural habitat it`s landed on the endangered list.The flower is commonly known as girlfriend kiss 😘 and labios de puta.

USE; The bark and leaves of P.elata are used in folk medicine for earache, cough and skin irrigation or rashes.