Goeppertia loeseneri

Native to western South America and northern Brazil, this upright perennial herb grows in wet tropical forests and can reach about five feet tall. Underground rhizomes support the clumping growth. Its distinctive flower display resembles a large star, about three inches across, held above the foliage on a long stalk. The apparent petals are white to pinkish bracts surrounding small, inconspicuous white flowers. It is also known as star calathea. Photographed in Colombia.