Pleroma (species unidentified) (species unidentified)

This shrub belongs to the Melastomataceae family and a genus native from Puerto Rico to tropical South America. Members of the genus generally have opposite leaves with several prominent veins. Their flowers usually have five purple or lilac petals and ten stamens, sometimes in two sizes. The dry fruits are capsules containing numerous small seeds. Many species are pollinated by bees that vibrate the anthers to release pollen, a process called buzz pollination. Photographed in Colombia.