Palicourea tomentosa, commonly known as sore-mouth bush, is a large evergreen shrub native to understory forest habitats, including tropical rainforests and cloud forests in the tropical Americas, ranging from Mexico to northern Argentina. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 meters and is characterized by its dense foliage and striking inflorescences. The plant’s most notable feature is its conspicuous red bracts that surround the inflorescences, which are designed to attract hummingbird pollinators. The actual flowers are small, tubular, and yellow, blooming throughout the year depending on the local climate.

Sore-mouth bush is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly the showy red bracts that provide a splash of color in shaded garden areas. It is used in tropical and subtropical gardens as an accent plant or for creating informal hedges. In cultivation, Palicourea tomentosa prefers partial to full shade, high humidity, and consistently moist, well-draining soil. It is relatively low-maintenance once established. This species has several ethnobotanical uses, including traditional remedies for headaches, sprains, and earaches. The Ka’apor people of Brazil also use its flowers as a hunting fetish, believed to aid in hunting success. While not commonly reported as invasive, it is important to monitor its growth in non-native areas to prevent potential spread.CC BY-SA 4.0