Native to tropical regions of Asia, Emilia sonchifolia has spread widely across tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, thriving in open, sunny habitats such as roadsides, gardens, and disturbed grounds. This herbaceous plant reaches about 1 to 2 feet in height, with slender stems supporting its dainty, tubular flowers. The flowers are typically vibrant purple to pink, occasionally orange, forming in small clusters at the tops of stems. These blooms have a brush-like appearance with numerous tiny florets tightly packed into cylindrical heads, each head measuring about half an inch across. Known for its resilience, the plant is often considered a weed in many regions due to its ability to self-seed prolifically. In traditional medicine it is utilized for its reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Photographed in the central Andes of Colombia.