Leea guineensis (West Indian Holly)

Native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and parts of southern and southeastern Asia, this shrub or small tree can reach about 33 feet tall. Its compound leaves have toothed, pointed leaflets; young foliage is reddish before maturing to green. The clustered red to reddish-orange flowers attract butterflies and other insects; berries provide food for birds. The species occurs in forests and shrublands and is grown ornamentally in parks and gardens. It can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. Photographed in Colombia.