Miconia nervosa

Native from southern Mexico through Central America into tropical South America, this shrub or small tree reaches about 3 to 20 feet tall. It favours regions with heavy rainfall. Its small flowers form narrow, spike-like clusters that may branch near the base. Pale petals surround long slender stamens, and the flower-bearing stems are conspicuously hairy. Its pollen is collected by stingless bees in Ecuador. It tolerates forest shade and canopy gaps. Introduced to northern Queensland, Australia, it is an invasive rainforest weed targeted for eradication. Birds spread its seeds. Photographed in Colombia.