Waltheria indica

Native to tropical and subtropical America, this shrub or subshrub belongs to the mallow family and grows about 2 to 6 feet tall. It has spread widely through the tropics and has been introduced to India, China, and many African countries. Its toothed leaves and stems are covered with fine, star-shaped hairs. Small, fragrant yellow flowers grow in compact clusters at the leaf axils, followed by tiny, usually one-seeded capsules. It grows in dry grassland, scrub, and disturbed ground. Known as ‘uhaloa in Hawaii, it has traditional medicinal uses there. Photographed in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.