Castilleja Rigida, Rigid Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja rigida is a somewhat uncommon plant, found in the US only in far west Texas, close to the upper Rio Grande in low-elevation regions of the Chihuahuan Desert; it is associated with agave lecheguilla, and is probably parasitic. The modified red leaves (bracts) along the upper few inches of each stem are short, rounded and overlapping, while the flowers - thin yellow tubes - project a little way above, right at the tip. Stems, leaves and the base of the bracts are green following rainfall but all become purplish during dry periods.