Justicia brandegeeana (Shrimp Plant)

Native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, this plant is an evergreen shrub associated with seasonally dry tropical habitats. Arching flower spikes have overlapping colored bracts surrounding slender tubular flowers. The bracts give the plant its shrimp-like appearance, while flowering can continue year-round in mild climates. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded it the Award of Garden Merit. Photographed in Colombia and Florida.