Phyllanthus nivosus (Snow Bush)

Native to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, this evergreen tropical shrub can reach 10 feet tall. Slender red branches zigzag between small leaves, and ornamental varieties have green, cream, white, pink, or red foliage. Bright light strengthens the leaf colors. Small green, petal-less flowers develop in the leaf axils and are followed by inconspicuous round fruits. It spreads by suckers. It has been introduced to Florida and many tropical islands. Green-leaved plants have been reported as invasive in Guinea. Photographed in Colombia.