This tropical perennial thrives in low light, high humidity, warm temperatures, and growing conditions where it produces magenta "flamingo flowers" throughout the year. It is pollinated by a number of tropical bees that visit the pollen sacs in a spiral up the inflorescence. The seeds are contained in a berry with juicy, sticky sap that birds try to remove by wiping their bills on surrounding woody surfaces and in the process distributing the sticky seeds on to suitable growing environments.