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

Portea kermesina
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Portea
Species:
P. kermesina
Binomial name
Portea kermesina
K.Koch

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

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Portea kermesina contains a dozen or so broad green and red leaves, that reach 750 mm (30 in) long and 50 mm (2 in) wide.

The plant produces a flower spike with "large, rose bracts and blue-petaled flowers." The inflorescence flowers at a height of 150–200 mm (6–8 in) 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]

 
Portea kermesiana leaves and bloom spike.

References

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  1. ^ a b DPI.inpe.br: "BROMELIACEAE da MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA: Lista de ESPÉCIES, DISTRIBUIÇÃO e CONSERVAÇÃO"; Rodriguésia 59, February 2008; ppg 209−258; article−(in Portuguese), abstract−(in English) species lists−(in Latin). accessed 30 May 2016.
  2. ^ Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. pp. 60. ISBN 0517562413.
  3. ^ Kramer, Jack (1976). Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. pp. 73, 100. ISBN 0-442-24518-1.