Hypochaeris sessiliflora

Native to the high Andes of South America, this dwarf perennial herb inhabits alpine grasslands and páramo. In Colombia, it grows at about 6,890 to 16,080 feet. Thick rhizomes support a low rosette of fleshy, lance-shaped leaves whose margins may be smooth or toothed. The plant often remains only one to thirteen centimeters tall. Its conspicuous flower heads are commonly yellow or white, with orange forms also reported. The leaves release milky latex when broken. Photographed in Colombia.