Wercklea insignis

Native to Costa Rica and Panama, this tree belongs to the mallow family and grows in wet tropical forests, including along rivers. It can reach about 50 feet tall. Large leaves accompany broad lavender-pink flowers with overlapping petals and a central column of stamens. Bat pollination has been reported. In Costa Rica, flowering can continue through the year and the tree retains foliage while replacing older leaves. Its winged capsules split open to release hairy seeds. Fibers from the bark are used for cord. Photographed in Panama.