Guzmania weberbaueri

Native to Ecuador and Peru, this stout herb grows as an epiphyte in humid tropical forests. Pointed, strap-shaped leaves surround a strong upright flower stalk. The branched inflorescence bears short, dense oval spikes, each with several closely packed flowers. Broad scarlet primary bracts extend beyond these spikes, while the smaller floral bracts are shorter than the sepals. The leaf rosette can retain water, providing a small aquatic habitat. Hummingbirds visit its flowers in Peru. Photographed in Colombia.