Neobartsia orthocarpiflora

Native from southern Colombia to Ecuador, this herb grows in tropical Andean mountain habitats. Slender branching stems carry pairs of leaves and pale purple tubular flowers. The blossoms emerge among purple-tinted bracts. It belongs to 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 Ecuador.