The Bartlettina Sordida is a multi-stemmed plant with thick stems to support its heavy leaves. The stems branch.

It can grow to six or more feet (2 meters) and dominated the path. Notice how dense it appears by blocking almost all the sunlight.

Large clusters of lilac flowers appear in the spring. These splendid flowers reveal the reason for its alternative name, Purple Torch of the Clouds.

After fertilization, the flowers lose their coloration and become seed pods.

Spent flowers at the top of a stem in the center of this plant.

Large leaves which can grow to 12 inches (25 cm) across, lend this plant a very tropical look.

Overlapping large leaves are necessary because this plant grows in the shade. To cultivate, grow in full or partial shade to emulate its natural location below larger cloud forest plants.