I photographed this rare plant, Saussurea medusa - known commonly as jellyfish snow rabbit, it is typically found on rocky scree slopes at an altitude between 3,000 and 5,600 metres.

It reminded me of a lovely little red hat, that someone had left on the beach.

BGCI Threatened Plants Photographic Award Winner

“Saussurea medusa is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its flowers and stems are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating arthritis and other ailments, and it is threatened by over-harvesting. As a high-altitude species, it may also be affected by climate change but more research needs to be carried out on this species, which currently is regarded as ‘Data Deficient’.”

Dr. Paul P. Smith, Secretary General
Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Finalist - The Beauty of Plants