Epidendrum porphyreum

Native to southern Colombia and Ecuador, this orchid grows on trees or on the ground along the western slopes of the Andes. Upright cane-like stems carry narrow, leathery leaves along their upper halves. Branched flower clusters contain many purple blooms with white markings on the central part of the lip. The lip is divided into three main lobes, with the central lobe split into two rounded tips. The flowers lack fragrance, and plants can bloom throughout the year. Photographed in Colombia.