Status:
valid
Authors:
(Carrière) Harms
Source:
wcs
Year:
1930
Citation Micro:
Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2. 15a: 126 (1930)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000338172
Common Names
- Alcantarea imperialis
- Imperial Alcantarea
- Imperial-leaved Alcantarea
Synonyms
- Tillandsia blokii Hemsl. [valid]
- Vriesea blokii (Hemsl.) Mez [valid]
- Vriesea gigantea Lem. [unknown]
- Vriesea imperialis É.Morren ex Mez [illegitimate]
Description
Alcantarea imperialis (also called Imperial Bromeliad, among many other common names) is a species of bromeliad that is native to Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial with a rosette of leathery, arching, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color. It produces a large, showy inflorescence of yellow-orange flowers in the summer. It is found in open areas, in rocky outcrops, and in grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Alcantarea imperialis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also used to treat digestive disorders, skin diseases, and respiratory ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Alcantarea imperialis is white or yellow in color and has a tubular shape. The seed is a small, black, ovoid-shaped seed. The seedlings are thin and have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alcantarea imperialis can be propagated by division of the rhizomes. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Where to Find Alcantarea imperialis
Alcantarea imperialis is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.
Alcantarea imperialis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Alcantarea imperialis?
Alcantarea imperialis
What is the common name of Alcantarea imperialis?
Imperial Alcantarea
What type of plant is Alcantarea imperialis?
Bromeliad
Species in the Alcantarea genus
Alcantarea benzingii,
Alcantarea brasiliana,
Alcantarea burle-marxii,
Alcantarea duarteana,
Alcantarea extensa,
Alcantarea farneyi,
Alcantarea geniculata,
Alcantarea imperialis,
Alcantarea nahoumii,
Alcantarea nevaresii,
Alcantarea odorata,
Alcantarea regina,
Alcantarea vinicolor,
Alcantarea heloisae,
Alcantarea patriae,
Alcantarea tortuosa,
Alcantarea turgida,
Alcantarea distractila,
Alcantarea longibracteata,
Alcantarea nigripetala,
Alcantarea simplicisticha,
Alcantarea vasconcelosiana,
Alcantarea martinellii,
Alcantarea compacta,
Alcantarea trepida,
Alcantarea cerosa,
Alcantarea lanceopetala,
Alcantarea nana,
Alcantarea occulta,
Alcantarea pataxoana,
Alcantarea recurvifolia,
Alcantarea acuminatifolia,
Alcantarea aurantiaca,
Alcantarea australiana,
Alcantarea galactea,
Alcantarea abacta,
Alcantarea glaucifolia,
Alcantarea glaziouana,
Alcantarea alegrensis,
Alcantarea roberto-kautskyi,
Alcantarea chimaera,
Alcantarea delicata,
Alcantarea lexeri,
Alcantarea forzzae,
Alcantarea intermedia,
Alcantarea vandenbergii,
Species in the Bromeliaceae family
Acanthostachys pitcairnioides,
Acanthostachys strobilacea,
Acanthostachys calcicola,
Aechmea abbreviata,
Aechmea aculeatosepala,
Aechmea alba,
Aechmea alegrensis,
Aechmea alopecurus,
Aechmea ampla,
Aechmea andersonii,
Aechmea angustifolia,
Aechmea anomala,
Aechmea apocalyptica,
Aechmea aquilega,
Aechmea araneosa,
Aechmea arenaria,
Aechmea aripensis,
Aechmea azurea,
Aechmea bahiana,
Aechmea bambusoides,
Aechmea biflora,
Aechmea blanchetiana,
Aechmea blumenavii,
Aechmea bocainensis,
Aechmea brachystachys,
Aechmea bracteata,
Aechmea brassicoides,
Aechmea brevicollis,
Aechmea bromeliifolia,
Aechmea bruggeri,
Aechmea caesia,
Aechmea callichroma,
Aechmea calyculata,
Aechmea campanulata,
Aechmea candida,
Aechmea cariocae,
Aechmea carvalhoi,
Aechmea castanea,
Aechmea castelnavii,
Aechmea cathcartii,
Aechmea caudata,
Aechmea chantinii,
Aechmea coelestis,
Aechmea colombiana,
Aechmea comata,
Aechmea conferta,
Aechmea confusa,
Aechmea conifera,
Aechmea costantinii,
Aechmea contracta,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:8048-2: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].