Children of the neelakurinji

Children of the neelakurinji

Barefoot, these kids are climbing a very special mountainside behind their Ooty village. For the first time in their lives the hill has become purple with…


Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years! During an entire century this species will bloom only 8 times – that…


Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

A spectacular view of the Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris! Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years!…


Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

At this altitude the Geraniums are very small, but still easy to recognize. Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Gentiana sedifolia

Gentiana sedifolia

Gentiana sedifolia is very variable, so pattern varies. I found many in bloom here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Mesmerizing color and pattern that can…


Gentianella cerastioides

Gentianella cerastioides

At first glance gentianella cerastioides resembles a crocus. I was lucky to visit when in bloom, and they thrive here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Here…


Lasiocephalus ovatus

Lasiocephalus ovatus

Native range of lasiocephalus ovatus is Colombia and Ecuador. Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Chuquiraga jussieui

Chuquiraga jussieui

Chuquiraga jussieui has an iconic inflorescence - so huge and conspicuous. How is it able to make such a huge infloresence at this altitude and with seemingly…


Thick Firmoss (Phlegmariurus crassus)

Thick Firmoss (Phlegmariurus crassus)

Thick firmoss (Phlegmariurus crassus) is perhaps the most eye-catching of all the club and fir-mosses, and is the first I've seen that's not green. It looks…