Lippia alba (Bushy Lippia)

Native from Texas through tropical America, this branching shrub or herb can reach around seven feet tall. Its finely hairy branches carry lance-shaped to oblong leaves in opposite pairs or groups of three. Small flowers gather into compact spikes, with corollas ranging from lilac to white and sometimes showing purple markings. The species occurs in moist places and household gardens. It has a history of traditional use for respiratory and intestinal complaints. Photographed in Colombia.