Portea kermesina explained

Portea kermesina ('kermesina'=crimson) is a plant species in the genus Portea in the bromeliad family.

The bromeliad is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira) and to Bahia state, located in southeastern Brazil.[1]

It grows near rivers at sea level. It is a critically endangered species.[1]

Description

Portea kermesina contains a dozen or so broad green and red leaves, that reach 30inches long and 2inches wide.

The plant produces a flower spike with "large, rose bracts and blue-petaled flowers." The inflorescence flowers at a height of NaNinches and is characterized by a purplish red color.[2]

Porteas from Brazil are some of the most decorative. Portea kermesina has apple green leaves and thrives in diffused light.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.dpi.inpe.br/referata/arq/22_Rafael_Bromelias/Bromelia_Mata_Atlantica.pdf DPI.inpe.br: "BROMELIACEAE da MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA: Lista de ESPÉCIES, DISTRIBUIÇÃO e CONSERVAÇÃO"
  2. Book: Padilla, Victoria. Bromeliads. 1973. Crown Publishers. New York. 0517562413. 60. registration.
  3. Book: Kramer, Jack. Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. 1976. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc.. 0-442-24518-1. 73; 100.