Originating from the tropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, the Flame of the Woods has garnered admiration among garden enthusiasts, especially in South Florida​ and is maybe the most popular shrub in the north coast of Colombia. The shrub, thrives in hot, humid climates, preferring full sun. Most garden keep the shrub short but it can grow above 3 meters. It is the national flower of Suriname. Photographed in Barranquilla.