Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Native from Mexico to Guatemala, this evergreen shrub or small tree grows in mountain forests and moist ravines. Smooth, deep green leaves occur in opposite pairs or whorls. Numerous small flowers form upright, branching clusters at the ends of the stems. Their tubes and sepals are rose-purple, while the petals are lavender. The flowers are fragrant. Rounded berries turn purple and acquire a waxy bloom when ripe. It is grown as an ornamental. It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. Photographed in Colombia.