Casearia tachirensis (Casero)

Native to Colombia and Venezuela, this evergreen shrub or tree in the willow family usually grows about 13 to 33 feet tall, though some trees become larger. It inhabits cloud forests; in Colombia, it is recorded between about 6,100 and 8,600 feet. Its firm, slightly leathery leaves have pointed tips, finely toothed margins, and hairs along the veins underneath. The small flowers have pale green sepals and filaments with yellow anthers. The fruits ripen yellow and are edible. Young shoots have rusty-colored hairs, while older branches become smooth. Photographed in Colombia.