Hooker's Lips: Costa Rica's Psychotria elata on brink of extinction

Psychotria elata is a stunning botanical wonder of the tropical flora referred to as the "hot lips plant" or "hooker's lips plant" and is native to the jungles of Costa Rica, Ecuador, and many Central and South American countries.

This plant's unique bract-like leaves are what set it apart. These bracts resemble two human-like lips. This striking feature aids in drawing pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

The bracts resemble ripe fruit because of their vivid colour and succulent texture. This draws pollinators to visit them, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Hopefully, they'll move pollen from bloom to bloom as they investigate. The true blooms are tiny and star-shaped, but they don't catch the eye quite like the stunning bracts.

The bracts, which are white and fragrant and typically emerge from the centre of the "red hot" bracts between December and March, are said to be more noteworthy than the plant's flower, according to the CGTN. 

In Central America, people give the plant as a token of their affection to their loved ones, particularly on Valentine's Day. Locals also utilise its bark and leaves to treat a variety of illnesses, including skin irritation.

Regrettably, deforestation and climate change are to blame for the plant's slow demise. Therefore, in order to preserve the life of this endangered species and keep us from having to say goodbye to it, it is imperative that extra care and protection be given.