It is native to Panama and northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela), but has been introduced elsewhere.

The 10 cm leaves have two leaflets and a further two leaflet-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk, plus a tendril at the tip.

The large heads of rosy mauve to purple coloured, bell-shaped flowers 8 cm long with hairy yellow throat, borne at the ends of the branches, often appear year-round.

In its native territory, the nectar is collected by the male bees of the tropical genus Euglossa, which pollinate the flowers by brushing against the pollen and transferring it to the stigma.

The plant needs a warm-subtropical or tropical climate to be seen at its best, as well as well-drained moisture-retaining soil with much humus.