Hesperoxiphion peruvianum

Native to Peru and Bolivia, this perennial herb in the iris family grows from a rounded underground storage organ. A few lance-shaped leaves are strongly pleated lengthwise. Slender stems carry clusters of short-lived flowers that usually fade during the afternoon. The large outer flower segments are bright yellow and narrow toward bases marked with reddish-brown spots. Smaller inner segments are folded and have a hairy central region. Successive flowers can extend the display well beyond the brief life of each bloom. Photographed in Peru.