Bejaria mathewsii

Native to central and southern Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru, and northern Brazil, this shrub or small tree grows in wet mountain habitats. It can reach about 39 feet tall. In Colombia, it occurs between about 4,300 and 10,600 feet. The showy pink flowers have separate petals covered in a sticky substance that can trap small insects. Its leathery leaves have whitish undersides, and the dry seed capsules split open when mature. In Colombia, its hard wood is used for construction, fence posts, and firewood. Photographed in the western Andes mountain range of Colombia.