A Joke of Nature—The Amazing "Whore's Lips" Flower (16 photos)

This unusual flower, shaped like red female lips, is called psychotria elata, or sublime psychotria. However, it also has a more down-to-earth name: "whore lips." It is considered the most piquant flower due to its bright red petals, shaped like plump female lips. This seductive flower grows in the forests of Central and South America.







Psychotria (Latin: Psychotria) is a genus of plants in the Rubiaceae family. Members of the genus are small trees native to tropical forests.





Psychotria exaltata is one of approximately 100 species of Psychotria native to Central America.



This unusual plant grows in the tropical forests of Central and South America and is known in countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador.



The plant evolved to attract more pollinators, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

















The tree's fruits are bright blue, like those of many other species in the genus Psychotria.



The red bracts are truly attractive, especially to butterflies and hummingbirds.





This wonderful flower is endangered due to uncontrolled deforestation.



So, if you're looking for a kiss from Mother Nature, you might still have time to find this enticing scarlet plant in the South American forests.