Neobartsia laticrenata

Native from southern Colombia to Ecuador, this herb grows in Andean mountain vegetation. In Colombia, it grows between about 8,900 and 13,500 feet. Upright flowering spikes have closely packed purple-toned bracts surrounding small flowers with yellow tips. It belongs to the broomrape family, Orobanchaceae. It is a root hemiparasite: its green leaves make food through photosynthesis, while its roots draw water and dissolved minerals from neighbouring plants. Photographed in Colombia.