Portea kermesina ('kermesina'=crimson) is a plant species in the genus Portea in the bromeliad family.
| Portea kermesina | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific 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
editPortea 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]
References
edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. pp. 60. ISBN 0517562413.
- ^ Kramer, Jack (1976). Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. pp. 73, 100. ISBN 0-442-24518-1.