Aphelandra runcinata is a shrub native to Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. In Colombia it occurs across the three Andean mountain ranges at approximately 5,600 to 9,500 feet, particularly in humid forest, secondary woodland, oak forest, and damp sites near streams. Mature plants may reach about 10 feet tall, with swollen stem nodes and sharply toothed foliage whose veins terminate in rigid marginal points.

The erect terminal flower spikes have purple-toned axes and bracts surrounding large red to orange tubular flowers. The narrow corolla opens into unequal lobes and extends a long style beyond the floral tube. The plant is sometimes used ornamentally and as a living barrier because of its conspicuous flowers and spiny foliage. Photographed in Colombia.