Hamelia patens

Native to tropical and subtropical America, this plant is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with several soft, woody stems. It usually reaches about eight to twelve feet tall and can grow taller when supported. Its leaves are commonly arranged in groups of three around the stem. Young leaves bear reddish hairs, while young stems and leaf stalks are also red. Branching flower clusters produce narrow orange-red tubes throughout much of the year in warm climates. Hummingbirds and butterflies feed on the flower nectar. The small fleshy berries change from yellowish or red to dark blue-black as they ripen. They are edible and have an acidic taste. Firebush is grown as an ornamental hedge, screen or border plant. Photographed in the central Andes mountain range of Colombia.