Acalypha villosa

Native from Mexico through Central America into South America as far south as northern Argentina, and in the Caribbean, this shrub or small tree grows in secondary forest and scrub. In Colombia, it occurs from sea level to about 5,900 feet. Male and female flowers form separate slender clusters beside the leaves. The female flowers have finely branched red styles, giving the clusters a bristly appearance. Unlike many related species, they stand on short stalks, and their small surrounding bracts remain inconspicuous as the fruits develop. Photographed in Cauca, Colombia.