Pyrola aphylla

Pyrola aphylla is a widespread species in western North America, uncommon in the Rocky Mountains, but relatively abundant in mountains closer to the Pacific Ocean. In southern California, this species often produces very pink flowers and stems.

In this image you can see some of the anthers emerging from the corolla as it opens. In genus Pyrola, the anthers turn 180° as the flowers mature and when the flower is completely open, the anther pores are exposed.

The specific epithet, aphylla, suggests that this species does not produce leaves. Not true! It produces very small leaves in a basal rosette at the base of each flowering stem of the plant. The internodes between leaves are longer than in Pyrola picta or any other close congener.