Hasseltia floribunda

Native to Central and tropical South America, this small to medium-sized tree grows in humid forests and often branches close to the ground. Alternate, toothed leaves have three prominent veins arising near the base and a pair of flattened glands beside the leaf stalk. Broad, branched clusters at the shoot tips carry many small white flowers, each with four petals and numerous projecting stamens. Rounded berries change from red to dark violet-purple as they ripen. Birds consume the fruit and disperse the seeds. Its wood is used for boxes, furniture and interior construction. Photographed in Colombia.