Iresine diffusa f. herbstii

Native to northern Peru, this bushy subshrub is commonly called bloodleaf and grows in wet tropical habitats. It is cultivated chiefly for its colourful foliage: garden forms have red, purple, green or yellow leaves with contrasting veins. Small, inconspicuous whitish flowers form branching clusters. This short-lived perennial is grown in tropical gardens and, in colder climates, as a summer bedding plant or houseplant. It roots readily from stem cuttings. Photographed in the department of Risaralda, Colombia.