Neobartsia serrata

Native from southern Peru to northern Chile, this mountain subshrub grows in Andean habitats. In Chile, it grows between about 7,500 and 11,800 feet. Small cream-yellow flowers project from an upright spike surrounded by purple-brown bracts. 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 Peru.