Melochia lupulina

Native from southern Mexico through tropical South America and Jamaica, this branching shrub or subshrub grows in moist thickets and other wet tropical habitats. It commonly stands about 3 to 5 feet tall. Small white flowers with yellow centres occur in crowded clusters at the leaf axils. The enclosing calyx enlarges and becomes inflated, giving the clusters a distinctive appearance resembling small hops. It can grow on waterlogged ground beside secondary vegetation. In Colombia, it is recorded from about 65 to 5,100 feet. Photographed in Colombia.