Columnea aff. carinata

This tropical flowering herb belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. Members of this genus commonly grow as forest epiphytes, rooting on trunks or branches without drawing nutrients from the host tree. Creeping or hanging shoots bear opposite leaves, and tubular flowers arise where the leaves meet the stems. Their five petals are joined and often form two unequal lips. Most species produce fleshy berries that remain closed when ripe. Photographed in Colombia.