Racinaea tetrantha

This is an epiphytic herb in the Bromeliaceae family, native to the Caribbean and from Venezuela through western South America. Its leaves form a rosette, with narrow, pointed blades covered in closely pressed scales. The usually curved flower stalk bears a branched inflorescence that can be erect or pendent. Lateral spikes spread outward or bend backward, carrying small flowers with yellow petals. Cylindrical capsules develop after flowering. Photographed in Colombia.