Alcantarea imperialis
COMMON NAME | Imperial Bromeliad, Empress of Brazil |
TYPE | Bromeliad |
FAMILY | Bromeliaceae |
NOTES | This
large terrestrial bromeliad was once classified as Vriesea imperialis but is
now recognized as part of the genus Alcantarea. Considered one of the giants
of the genus, "its leathery leaves measuring 6 inches in width and 5
feet in length. It will take years before producing an imposing red
inflorescence that reaches 8 feet in height. The spike can produce 400-600 flowers for the
potential of 80,000-200,000 seeds. As
with all bromeliads, once the plant flowers, the main plant dies and pups or
offsets are produced along the base of the dying plant to begin the process
all over again. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | Brazil |
NATIVE
HABITAT | Rocky
slopes and tolerant of dry conditions |
WEB SOURCES |
