Viburnum tinoides

Native to Colombia, this shrub or tree belongs to the viburnum family. Its opposite leaves have pointed tips and prominent veins, and branching clusters bear many small white flowers with five lobes and projecting stamens. The fleshy fruits turn purple as they ripen and contain a single seed. Birds eat the fruit and help spread the seeds. It grows in Andean forests and shrublands; in Colombia, it grows between about 3,000 and 12,200 feet. Known locally as garrocho or chucua, it is propagated from seed and used to help restore high Andean forests. Photographed in Colombia.