Fuchsia dependens

Native from southern Colombia to Ecuador, this scrambling shrub has long woody stems that lean on surrounding plants. Its simple leaves grow in opposite pairs, and its hanging, tubular flowers are red or orange. It occurs in Andean mountain forests and can also grow in disturbed areas with other shrubs. Its nectar feeds hummingbirds, including the mountain velvetbreast and sparkling violetear in southern Colombia. Flowerpiercers also take nectar, reaching it without entering through the flower opening. In Colombia, it grows at about 8,500 to 10,800 feet. Photographed in the department of Cauca, Colombia.