Hellenia speciosa

Native from tropical and subtropical Asia to northeastern Queensland, this rhizomatous perennial herb can grow about ten feet tall. It occurs in damp open places and lowland forest margins, with leaves arranged spirally along slender stems. White, funnel-shaped flowers emerge between dark red bracts. Their frilled, crepe-like lip is formed from sterile stamens and has a yellow throat. Carpenter bees, butterflies and sunbirds visit its flowers. Grown as a tropical ornamental, it also has food uses: tender young shoots are stir-fried in Sarawak. Its wild populations are classified as Critically Endangered in Singapore. Photographed in Minca, Colombia.