Cryptostegia grandiflora (Rubber Vine)

Native to Madagascar, this woody perennial climber can reach about 98 feet into supporting trees or grow as a sprawling shrub about 6 feet tall. Its leathery leaves grow in opposite pairs, and damaged stems release milky sap. Pink to purple funnel-shaped flowers develop into paired pods containing seeds with silky tufts that aid wind dispersal. It is invasive in central and northern Queensland, Australia, where it smothers streamside vegetation and forms dense thickets. The plant is poisonous to livestock. Photographed near the coast in northern Colombia.