Gentianella rapunculoides
Native to southern Colombia and Ecuador, this small biennial herb grows in Andean highlands, including cushion pƔramo. Opposite, lance-shaped leaves may have purple tints. Slender reddish purple flowering axes bear several flowers in loose clusters above the low foliage. The bell-shaped flowers range from pale to dark violet or bluish purple, with darker veins. Their pointed lobes spread widely as the flowers open. The clustered flowers distinguish the species from the usually solitary blooms of Gentianella cerastioides. Photographed in Peru.