Ruellia chartacea

Ruellia chartacea is a shrub native from Colombia to Peru. Its woody stems bear large, rough-textured opposite leaves. Branch tips carry clusters of fiery-red bracts, which are modified leaves surrounding the true flowers. Orange-red tubular flowers project beyond the bracts, with curled or reflexed lobes and protruding stamens. It grows in moist tropical habitats. Photographed in Chocó Ecuador.