Cosmos caudatus

Native to tropical America, this fast-growing herb can reach about 10 feet tall. It is usually an annual, though it can persist as a short-lived perennial in tropical conditions. Its finely divided leaves and pink to purple flower heads attract bees and butterflies. Young leaves and shoots have a mango-like flavour and are eaten raw in Southeast Asian salads, including Malaysian nasi ulam. It grows in disturbed ground and is easily propagated from seed, often self-seeding in gardens. Photographed in Colombia.