Erblichia odorata

Native to Mexico and Central America, this tree grows in wet tropical forests. Its alternate, glossy leaves have finely toothed edges. Large, fragrant flowers develop beside the leaves, with pointed yellow-green sepals and broad orange, salmon-orange or yellow petals. Five stamens and three spreading styles project from the flower center. The woody capsules hold seeds surrounded by conspicuous orange coverings. Seed-eating birds attracted to these coverings help disperse the seeds. Photographed in Panama.