Eirmocephala brachiata

Native from Costa Rica through northern tropical South America, this subshrub or small shrub grows in humid forests and other wet tropical vegetation. It can reach about ten feet tall. Branching flower clusters extend beyond the foliage and contain numerous small heads of lilac florets. The heads lack the showy outer rays of familiar daisies. Its simple, alternate leaves have toothed margins. Photographed in Colombia.