Elleanthus (?) sp. - Ecuador
 

This was near Mindo (west of Quito) in 2005. Very high elevation, full sun, growing terrestrially with grass in thin gritty soil.

Very interesting.

---Prem

It's an Elleanthus sp.

Interesting Info. on that one thanks .
I have a Elleanthus cyanocephalis according to Jay's the one I have grows in semi shade and moist listed under capitatus for culture, bought from Oak Hill a couple of years ago .. :llama:

This was in full sun, but it was also at very high elevations and its feet were kept cool by the soil/rock that it was growing in. The other one we saw was (E. capitatus according to King of Orchid Growing - Thank you!) in dappled shade at a lower elevation growing in clay soil on a nearly vertical bank.

There were lots of hummingbirds around, that's for sure! We were on a birdwatching tour with my parents. We saw over thirty species of hummingbirds in about three days in the highlands of Ecuador. The only one we saw near this Elleanthus was one of the Sunangels (I didn't see it, so it's not on my list!).
No one asked, but here are a few hummers...
Swordbilled Hummingbird (Ecuador)
Collared Inca (Venezuela)
Violet-Tailed Sylph (Ecuador)

The hummingbirds are beautiful! I like the one with the metallic blue color.

Well, since you asked...
If you'll be near Quito, I can recommend an excellent bird guide.

Incredible little creatures!! Thanks.

Kim

They are so beautiful ! Thanks for posting them as I will never be able to see them in person ..