Aegiphila

Aegiphila is a Neotropical genus of shrubs and trees distributed from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and across tropical South America. The photographed plant bears rounded buds and small cream to pale-yellow flowers arranged in compact clusters. The corolla opens into spreading lobes around the reproductive structures, while the buds sit in persistent cup-shaped calyces.

Species of Aegiphila occupy varied tropical habitats, including humid Andean forest margins, secondary vegetation, and open woodland. Growth form, flower structure, fruit, and the texture of stems and leaves are useful features for distinguishing species. Photographed in the Central Andes mountain range of Colombia.