Native to tropical regions of the Americas and widely naturalized throughout Central and South America, as well as parts of the southern United States, this fast-growing climbing vine is commonly found along roadsides, in disturbed areas, and in rural gardens where it thrives in warm, humid environments. It has become invasive in several regions including parts of India, Australia, and Southeast Asia, where it aggressively colonizes open ground and native vegetation due to prolific self-seeding. The flowers are tubular and narrow at the base, flaring into five sharply pointed lobes that form a regular star shape; each bloom measures about 1 inch across and is typically bright red, with rare pink or white flower forms. The bloom opens in early morning and typically closes by midday or during overcast conditions. Its foliage is finely divided into threadlike segments, resembling pine needles. Photographed in eastern Ecuador.