Verbesina turbacensis

Native from Mexico through Central America to Venezuela, this shrub or small tree belongs to the daisy family and grows about 13 feet tall. Leaf bases can extend down its hairy stems as narrow wings. The alternate leaves are often irregularly lobed, with rough upper surfaces and softer, hairy undersides. Broad, branching clusters carry many small white flower heads. Each head has short outer rays and numerous tubular central florets, followed by flattened, winged fruits. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees. It grows along roadsides and in humid forests; in Veracruz, Mexico, it flowers from November to January. Photographed in Panama.