Viburnum triphyllum

Native to the Andes from Colombia to Bolivia, this shrub or tree belongs to the viburnum family. Its opposite leaves have pointed tips and paler undersides. Broad clusters of small, fragrant white flowers develop into fleshy fruits that ripen to purple-black, each containing a single seed. Birds eat the fruits and help disperse the seeds. It grows in mountain forests and secondary vegetation and is planted in living fences and forest restoration projects. The fruits have a traditional use as a purple dye. Its seeds can take several months to germinate. Photographed in the department of Antioquia, Colombia.