Elleanthus robustus

Native from Mexico through Central America into the tropical Andes, this terrestrial orchid grows in wet mountain forests. Stout, upright canes bear numerous folded, pointed leaves. A dense cylindrical flower cluster develops at the stem tip and can reach about seven inches long. The flowers are pinkish-red with a white, fringed lip. The closely packed flowers and substantial leafy stems give the plant its robust appearance. Photographed in Colombia.