Baeckea frutescens

Native from southeastern China through Southeast Asia and New Guinea to eastern Australia, this perennial shrub or small tree can reach about 20 feet tall. Its slender, arching branches carry clusters of needle-like leaves that release a pleasant aroma when crushed. Tiny white flowers develop into small, dry capsules. In coastal New South Wales, Australia, it grows in sandy heathland and flowers in summer. Elsewhere, it also occurs on open slopes and low hills. The leaves and flowers are used for herbal tea in Southeast Asia, and the branches are made into brooms. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.