Palicourea hebeclada

Native from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Ecuador, with a further occurrence in southeastern Brazil, this shrub or small tree grows in humid tropical habitats. It reaches about 13 feet tall, with hairy stems and opposite leaves. Small tubular white or cream flowers grow in terminal clusters. The fleshy fruits turn maroon when ripe and are eaten by birds. In Colombia, it grows in humid forests up to about 3,300 feet, often along roadsides and streams. Photographed in Colombia.