This plant was not in a good state when I met it, the top part was broken, the leaves badly damaged by insects and it was at the end of its blooming.. Still I would love to know what it is, I had no success so far. I guess its original height was around 70-80cm
The location is the Atlantic rainforest in the Rio de Janeiro state and the plant was growing in shade under a dense tree canopy.

My first thought was possibly Besleria of some sort but I really don't know. http://sura.ots.ac.cr/local/fl...

I'm struggling to find a family for it Myriam!

I thought maybe Solanaceae, but nothing seems to fit.

Notice the flowers have a spur.

Thanks Lin and Janet!
It is some time ago I did an intensive search and I think I also checked Solanaceae besides Balsaminaceae and Ranunculaceae ,which of of the species members also have spurs.
I think we better give up on that one!

Probably a good thing I wasn't there. I'm afraid a couple of those larger seed pods might have accidentally slipped into my socks as I passed by.

I hate when that happens.

I would not have minded that a couple of seeds 'accidentally' ended up (not in my socks, too hot there wearing them! ) but in my pocket. unfortunately there wasn't any ripe seed pods..
I could see the potential beauty the plant has, when in a better state than when I found it.

Certainly worthy of a spot in a rare and unusual collection.

And from the upward pointing spurs, I would guess hummingbird pollinated. A plus in American gardens.

I guess you're right Ron, there were plenty of hummingbirds feasting on all those exotic beauties.

Got it!
It is Noisettia orchidiflora in the Violaceae, hence the spurs on the flowers!
https://sites.google.com/site/...

A good point to remember, but it isn't always a clue. The other species in Violaceae (Hybanthus parviflorus) on Flora de Santa Catarina doesn't have spurs and is totally different!

Thanks Janet! i got it by accident, just browsing through the different families, in the hope I'll meet one I have! It is time-consuming for sure, but i'm also learning a lot!