The Paramo of Ecuador
I was in Ecuador 2 years ago....during the trip I got to 14,000 feet and well above the tree-line into the alpine tropical zone. Every night is winter with frost common. During the mornings it is often cold, windy and foggy while the afternoons can be sunny (still windy) and more spring-like. Loads of bizarre plants, most which I haven't a clue as to ID. Many hard buns similar to Raolia but i think many of the ones here are from the Asteraceae. Some plants as seen below. The unknown was like a super-tight Antennaria...fuzzy yet wet-tolerant.