Stigmaphyllon ellipticum (Orchid Vine)

A woody vine native from Mexico to northwestern Venezuela and Peru, it grows in wet tropical vegetation. Opposite, oval leaves accompany clusters of bright yellow flowers with fringed or toothed petals. Glands occur in pairs on the sepals. The dry, reddish fruits have a large upper wing and a smaller lower wing. It is grown as an ornamental climber. In Colombia, it occurs from sea level to about 4,850 feet. Photographed in Colombia.