A flowering plant hailing from Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It has been spread to various other regions where it has naturalized in some areas. This species is recognized for its long, prominent butterfly attracting flower spikes that exhibit a color change from reddish to pink​​​​. Research has highlighted the presence of phenylethanoid in the species, which carries various pharmacological properties with wide therapeutic applications including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, alongside potential anticancer benefits​​​​​​. Photographed in the department of Quindio, Colombia.