Hamelia patens (Firebush)

Native to Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, and northeastern Brazil and nearby regions, this is a shrub in the Rubiaceae family. It is a large, everblooming shrub. Traditionally, it’s employed in herbal medicine for conditions like athlete’s foot, skin lesions, and insect bites. The leaves, stems, and flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties, while a more scientific examination reveals the presence of ephedrine in scant amounts in its leaves, along with antinociceptive effects, underscoring its potential in pain management​. There are cultivars. The fruits are edible. Photographed in the central Andes mountain range of Colombia.