More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Mints, Plantains, Olives, and Allies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER LAMIALES
Brazilian Red-Cloak
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Mints, Plantains, Olives, and Allies (Order Lamiales)
-Acanthus Family (Family Acanthaceae)
-Subfamily Acanthoideae
-Tribe Justicieae
-Subtribe Justiciinae
-Genus Megaskepasma
-Brazilian Red-Cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys)
The Brazilian Red Cloak is a stunning tropical plant that produces red flower spikes up to twelve inches tall complete with rich, green tropical foliage. While the Brazilian Red Cloak is native to Venezuela, it is also now found throughout tropical America. These are topped in time by red bracts (the red “cloaks”) which hide and protect the curly white true flowers. The bracts are not true flowers, but retain a brilliant, showy red color long after the white flowers have faded away.
Description
• Megaskepasma erythrochlamys, commonly known as Brazilian red cloak, is a large evergreen shrub in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae). It has broad, glossy, dark-green leaves and striking upright flower spikes surrounded by overlapping, bright red to crimson bracts. The small, white flowers emerge from between the colourful bracts, creating a vivid display that can last for an extended period. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens.
Range
• Megaskepasma erythrochlamys is native to Venezuela and nearby parts of northern South America. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This species grows in warm, frost-free environments and is commonly planted in gardens, parks, and landscaped areas. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture and performs well in partial shade or filtered sunlight, although it can tolerate brighter conditions with sufficient water. In tropical climates, it may grow into a large, dense shrub, particularly in sheltered locations.