Blakea granatensis

Native from Mexico across the tropical Americas, these woody plants belong to the melastome family. They include shrubs, trees and climbers, with many species growing on other plants for support. Their showy flowers usually have six petals and two pairs of bracts beneath each bloom. The anthers release pollen through small pores. After flowering, fleshy berries develop, with mature colors varying among species. Some species shelter ants or mites in specialized structures on their leaves or stems. Photographed in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia.