HEIGHT 10–33 ft (3–10 m)
TYPE Evergreen
OCCURRENCE Tropical South America, S.E. Asia
Historically used for making body paint and fabric dye, this bushy tree is now used mainly as a food colorant for dairy products. BARK Pale to dark brown, later fissured. LEAF Alternate, in spirals, ovate, with a heartshaped to blunt base. FLOWER Large terminal panicles, 5–7 obovate petals, usually pinkish. FRUIT Flattened, ellipsoidal capsule, with bristles, bright red when mature.