Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte, Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | North-East and South-East Brazil. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A large herbaceous, semi-epiphytic perennial. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are arranged in a rosette and are green with red tips and measure about 60cm long and 8cm wide. The leaf margins are covered with sharp red spines. The underside of the leaves are maroon in colour. |
| Flowers | The flowers are blue and are located in the water cup, in the centre of the rosette. |
| Cultivation | It can be cultivated under full sun or partial shade and is best grown in well-draining media. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Groundcover, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Division |
| Maintenance Requirements Remarks | Leaf bases should be filled with water and algae should be washed out of the water cups and leaf bases. It is best watered with slightly acidic water. |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Clasping |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31648 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6047 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
