Miconia caudata

Native from southern Mexico to Colombia, this shrub or small tree reaches about 6 to 33 feet tall and grows in moist forests, forest edges and regenerating vegetation. Its leaves have long, pointed tips and densely hairy brown undersides, and turn red before falling. The branched flower clusters are fragrant, with white or pink petals and purple anthers. Small fleshy fruits become dark purple when ripe and contain numerous tiny seeds. In Colombia, the plant is used in living fences, and its wood serves for stakes and fuel. Photographed in the department of Cauca, Colombia.