Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)
Altitude 4200 metres.
Tag Archives: Antisana
Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)
At this altitude the Geraniums are very small, but still easy to recognize. Altitude 4200 metres.
Gentiana sedifolia
I found many in bloom here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Mesmerizing color and pattern that can trick your eye’s focus. This species is very variable, so pattern varies. Altitude 4200 metres. Native range is Venezuela to Bolivia. Central America and Mexico..
Gentianella cerastioides
At first glance it resembles a Crocus. I was lucky to visit when in bloom, and they thrive here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Here it’ growing in a cushion of Azorella pedunculata (Apiaceae). Altitude 4200 metres. Native range is Colombia and Ecuador.
Lasiocephalus ovatus
I have also found it under Culcitium reflexum and Culcitium uniflorum. Altitude 4200 metres. Native range is Colombia and Ecuador.
Chuquiraga jussieui
An iconic flower – so huge and conspicuous. How is it able to make such a huge infloresence at this altitude and with seemingly so little nutrition? This specimen was located in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. During my brief visit only a very few were in bloom, which made me wonder how the Ecuadorian Hillstar […]
Thick Firmoss (Phlegmariurus crassus)
This 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 ancient and prehistoric. Altitude 4200 metres. Native range is Venezuela to Bolivia. Mexico. Central America.
Carunculated Caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
This bird is all about the walk! At this altitude the Caracara was abundant, and they were strolling seemingly leisurely and rather undisturbed by our car. If we got too close they simply turned away, but continued their walk. Of course this is all about search for food and opportunities to get some, perhaps from […]
Chikku Chikku (Hypochaeris sessiliflora)
Many in the family have adapted the same way at this altitude – only one huge flower, barely above the ground and leaves. Impossible to pluck for a bouquet, fortunately – and thus it’s saved from human exploitation. Altitude 4200 metres. Native range is Venezuela to Bolivia.
Antisana plant 01 (Asteraceae)
One of few in the family at this altitude that produces a tall stem. I encountered it here in Antisana Ecological Reserve as well as in Cayambe Coca. Resembles the Nordic Erigeron uniflorus. Altitude 4200 metres.
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
I saw the Kestrel catch the rodent and then I lost sight of it, as we were driving. After I got out of the car I saw it was out in plain sight starting to eat it. I would have thought it wanted to conceal the catch, but it was neither in a hurry to […]