Gentianella cerastioides
Native to southern Colombia and Ecuador, this small perennial herb grows in Andean pƔramo, sometimes forming compact groups or cushions. Short, spreading stems carry opposite, slightly fleshy leaves. Upright flowers usually develop singly near the shoot tips. The broad, open corollas range from pink to lilac or deeper violet and commonly show darker veins. Five stamens surround the central ovary and divided stigma. Woody rhizomes support the low growth among other cushion plants and mountain grasses. Photographed in Colombia.