Grindelia boliviana

Native to Peru, Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, this perennial shrub or subshrub grows in Andean puna and disturbed ground. Erect or ascending stems branch from the base and carry alternate, lance-shaped leaves with sharply toothed edges. Upper leaves clasp the stems. Solitary yellow flower heads develop at the branch tips, with broad outer ray flowers surrounding numerous tubular disk flowers. Several rows of green bracts form a cup beneath each head, with the narrow outer bracts often curving backward. Known locally as chiri-chiri, its leaves are used in traditional wound preparations in Peru. Photographed in Peru.