Racinaea fraseri

This is an epiphytic herb in the Bromeliaceae family, native to the Andes from southern Colombia to northern Peru. Its strap-shaped leaves have broad, dark brown sheaths and nearly hairless blades. An erect red flower stalk supports an inflorescence branched through several levels. The slender spikes bear flowers initially arranged in two rows, later turning upward toward one side. Small petals extend beyond the sepals and change from white to yellow, while the stamens remain enclosed. Photographed in Colombia.