Aechmea fuerstenbergii has an outstanding inflorescence consisting of a tight conical spike of white flowers behind rose-red bracts.
I first saw this in a Cargo Report and immediately wanted one. I mentioned this to Brian Weber as we walked down a main isle of the 2-acre shade house at Tropiflora. He immediately pointed to a smallish untagged potted plant on the floor adjacent to where I was passing. “That’s either it or beeriana.” I was skeptical on the ID but he quoted me a great price. (Did I mention I was cheep?) I guess I should never question Brian’s ability to track and ID a few 10K’s of plants. Great plant – great price – thanks Brian.
The FCBS record has Bahia, Brazil as the point of the type collection, yet it is ranged as an Amazonian epiphyte from Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil. This plant was first described in the late 1800’s from collected greenhouse material found in Europe. So the Bahia reference seems slim to me. Are there any other accounts of a Bahia collection origin for this plant?
I’ve heard the Streptocalyx genus name referenced in comments that “the taxonomists can not make up their mind”. Streptocalyx was sucked into Aechmea over 14 years ago – Give it up – it is time to change the name on your tags.
Cheers, Greg – PSJPlants – Brevard County, FL (Space Coast)
Looks like a plant I have; but I’m waiting for it to bloom.
I would trade on of these for perhaps a VRIESEA FOSTERIANA ‘RED CHESTNUT’ PUP ……..