Megaskepasma erythrochlamys (Brazilian Red Cloak, Red Justicia. )


Botanical Information

FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusMegaskepasma
Specieserythrochlamys
SynonymsAdhatoda cydoniifolia
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesMissouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2019, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e966
OriginSouthern Venezuela, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, (Florida), United States of America

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone10
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-3.8 - 4.5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height2 - 3 m
Spread2 - 3 m
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July, August

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicAn attractive plant to bees, butterflies, and birds.
ShapeHas vibrant crimson bracts in bold spikes held above huge, glossy, veined leaves.
LandscapeParks, gardens, and container planting.
PropagationFrom semi-hardwood cuttings.
Notable SpecimensBok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatRainforests of Venezuela.
Leaf DescriptionOvate shaped green leaves, oppositely arranged, and is about 30 cm long.
Flower DescriptionTubular flowers on erect flowering spikes up to 30 cm tall, each flower consists of the showy red bracts surrounding the true white flower.

Photographs