Wigandia urens

Native from Mexico to Trinidad and Peru, this large shrub or small tree belongs to the borage family. It grows on open slopes and disturbed ground. Broad, coarse leaves and stems carry hairs that can sting or irritate the skin. Branching clusters bear lavender flowers with five rounded lobes and projecting stamens. The fruits are capsules that split to release seeds. In Colombia, it occurs in the Andes and Magdalena Valley between about 820 and 4,600 feet. It has traditional medicinal uses but is toxic. It has also been introduced to the continental United States. Photographed in Colombia.