Zapoteca formosa

Native from Arizona through Mexico and Central America to northern Argentina, and across parts of the Caribbean, this branching shrub or small tree belongs to the pea family. It grows in seasonally dry woodland and scrub, often along disturbed edges. Twice-divided leaves carry small paired leaflets. Its night-opening powderpuff flower heads have long stamens that may be white, pink, reddish purple or two-toned, depending on the form. The small petals are much less conspicuous than the stamens. Seed pods turn brown and spring open when ripe to release their seeds. Photographed in Colombia.