Justicia carthaginensis

Native from Mexico through tropical America, it is an herb or subshrub that develops a woody base. It grows on slopes, in disturbed places and in thickets, including coastal habitats in both moist and dry settings. Dense terminal spikes carry purple flowers with a broad, three-lobed lower lip. The species name means “found in Cartagena,” reflecting its botanical history in Colombia. Colombian records include the Caribbean lowlands and islands. Photographed in the department of Magdalena, Colombia.