Gentiana sedifolia

Native from Costa Rica to Bolivia, this tiny herb grows in high mountain vegetation, often among cushion plants and tussock grasses. Short stems bear opposite, narrow leaves. Solitary flowers stand above the foliage and open into small funnels. They are usually pale blue or violet, with purple markings toward a yellow throat, although pale forms also occur. The flowers close at night and during cold or cloudy conditions. In the Andes the species is a familiar component of páramo vegetation. Photographed in Colombia.