Erigeron apiculatus

Endemic to Ecuador, this herb grows in high Andean forests at about 8,200 to 9,840 feet. Its cream to lilac flower heads combine narrow outer ray florets with many small central florets. After flowering, the dry fruits carry fine bristles that help disperse them. Its limited distribution lies in the northern and central Ecuadorian Andes, in Chimborazo, Napo, and Pichincha. It is classified as Near Threatened and is used locally in traditional medicine. Photographed in Ecuador.