This species is widely distributed from Ecuador north through Central America. It is characterized by an unusual forward jutting pouch, often with ridges in the pouch. It is similar in many respects to the G. magentatus, which has pink/magenta flowers rather than orange. Some botanists consider them separate species on the basis that G. pansamalanus has a reduced inflorescence of a single flower, although others lump the two species together.

Additional photos may be seen in a slideshow by clicking one of the links below:

• Another plant stem with a single flower
• A close view of a flower in profile
• Another close view of a flower
• The flower from above, illustrating the upward orientation of the corolla opening
• A ripe seed capsule, about to split open