Aphelandra sinclairiana (Panama Queen)

Native to Central America, this shrub or small tree grows in humid forests at low and middle elevations. Its terminal flower spikes carry numerous overlapping orange-red bracts, from which tubular, two-lipped flowers emerge in shades of pink, red or orange. The tips of young branches have conspicuous upright hairs. Its fruits are hairy capsules that split into two valves when mature. In Panama, the species occurs on slopes, beside streams and along roads, and is cultivated for its colorful flower spikes. Photographed in Colombia.