Chaetogastra (species unidentified)

Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, this genus includes small shrubs and trees in the melastome family. Many species grow in cloud forests, while others occur in lower forests and disturbed vegetation. Flowers are usually purple or lilac, with spreading petals and prominent stamens that may be yellow, purple, or mixed in color. In many species, bees collect pollen by vibrating the anthers, a process called buzz pollination. The fruits are dry capsules that open at the top to release seeds. Photographed in Colombia.