Castilleja nubigena

Native to the Andes from northwestern Venezuela to Bolivia, this low-growing herb forms small groups in moist mountain habitats. Red, leaf-like bracts surround less conspicuous green flowers. It photosynthesizes while drawing additional water and nutrients through connections to neighboring plants’ roots. Its flowers have a hooded upper lip enclosing the anthers, followed by capsules containing small seeds. In Ecuador, it grows in wet páramo vegetation, including sites above 12,000 feet. Photographed in Ecuador.