Stachytarpheta mutabilis

Native to northeastern Brazil, southeastern Brazil, west-central Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba and nearby regions, this is a shrub in the Verbenaceae family. 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.