Aechmea tessmannii

Native to the Amazonian regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, this perennial bromeliad grows on trees in wet tropical forests. It reaches about 3 feet tall or more when flowering. Its upright flower stalk branches into spreading spikes, with the small orange flowers arranged in two rows. Glossy, overlapping floral bracts surround the flowers, while larger red bracts extend beneath the branches. The rosette collects rainwater, and new shoots develop at its base. The species is listed as Endangered in Colombia. Photographed in Colombia.