Aechmea racinae explained

Aechmea racinae, or Christmas jewels, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aechmea, of the family Bromeliaceae. This species is endemic to the State of Espírito Santo in eastern Brazil.^{[1] [2]} A. racinae grows best in partial sun and does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Aechmea racinae is an epiphytic evergreen perennial, forming basal rosettes of strap-shaped leaves, with arching racemes of tubular red and yellow flowers that give way to berries.^[3] In temperate regions it is often grown as a houseplant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]

Varieties

Three varieties are accepted:^[1]

1. Aechmea racinae var. erecta L.B.Sm.
2. Aechmea racinae var. racinae
3. Aechmea racinae var. tubiformis E.Pereira

Cultivars

Numerous cultivars have been named, including^[5]

• Aechmea 'Avarua'
• Aechmea 'Black Jack'
• Aechmea 'Candy Stripe'
• Aechmea 'Exotica'
• Aechmea 'Foster's Favorite'
• Aechmea 'Foster's Favorite Favorite'
• Aechmea 'Harlekin'
• Aechmea 'Red Ribbon'

Notes and References

1. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=218207 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
2. Martinelli . Gustavo . Vieira . Cláudia Magalhães . Gonzalez . Marcos . Leitman . Paula . Piratininga . Andréa . Costa . Andrea Ferreira da . Forzza . Rafaela Campostrini . Bromeliaceae da Mata Atlântica Brasileira: lista de espécies, distribuição e conservação . Rodriguésia . January 2008 . 59 . 1 . 209–258 . 23499386 . 10.1590/2175-7860200859114 . Bromeliaceae of the brazilian Atlantic Forest: checklist, distribution and conservation . pt-BR. free .
3. Web site: Hortipedia - Aechmea racinae. 2021-04-06. en.hortipedia.com.
4. Web site: RHS Plant Selector Aechmea racinae AGM / RHS Gardening . Apps.rhs.org.uk . 2012-08-21.
5. http://www.bsi.org/brom_info/cultivar/bcr.html BSI Cultivar Registry