Morphology:
Fruit
 

The fruit in Columnea is (almost exclusively) an indehiscent berry.  Generally the berry is white and spherical, about a centimeter in diameter.  It can sometimes be more colorful, but generally only paler colors such as pink or lavender are present rather than bright red or orange.  It can also be somewhat conical rather than spherical.  

On very rare occasions there are species with fruits that dehisce (split open on maturity).  This includes C. dielsii that has recently been transferred to Columnea based on the work of John L. Clark and this species is usually located as sister to the remainder of the species, implying that the transition from a dehiscent fruit in all of its closest relatives (Glossoloma, Alloplectus, Crantzia,  and Drymonia) to an indehiscent fruit may have occurred within the lineage, rather then prior to the majority of the diversification.  Columnea trollii also has fruits that are nearly dehiscent (see discussion of section Pentadenia).

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