Miconia rubiginosa in bloom

It’s the time of year for the Miconia rubiginosa bloom – possibly my very favorite Miconia tree.

Miconia rubiginosa in bloom

All of the Miconias in this area have small white flowers in what is called a panicle inflorescence, that is, more or less pyramid-shaped. The Miconia rubiginosa have small tufts like little cotton balls within the inflorescence.

Two other Miconias in the area bloom earlier in the year. Miconia impetiolaris has large shiny leaves and produces a bright red berry. Its inflorescence  looks like a robust cluster of bottle brushes.

The third Miconia, which may be Miconia argentea, is a looser inflorescence than the other two.

Miconia sp. inflorescence

I have a special fondness for M. rubiginosa, though. It’s pretty dominant in this area, and I see many stands of it on the road between Potrerillos and Dolega. Locally it’s known as canillo. It’s really difficult to get a shot that gives you a sense of trees everywhere blooming white. This will have to do for now: