Callisia fragrans (Basket Plant)

Native to Mexico, this semisucculent perennial herb grows about 3 feet tall and spreads by horizontal runners. Its smooth, oblong to lance-shaped leaves grow spirally around the stems and can reach about 6 to 12 inches long. Fragrant white flowers form clusters along branching flower stalks. Each flower has three petals and six projecting stamens; small, three-chambered capsules follow. In Florida, flowering is recorded in late winter. It is cultivated as an ornamental and has escaped into pine woodlands and hammocks in Florida. It is listed as invasive in central and southern Florida. Photographed in the department of Quindio, Colombia.