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Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii - A compact clumping plant to about 18 inches tall and spreading wide with time with rosettes of narrow 18 inch long slightly recurved green leaves with small teeth on the margines that are blackish near their bases and tinged pink and purple in bright light. In spring to summer appear the short flower spikes that rise just above the leaves with pink flowers that darken to purple with age that only extend slightly above the stiff reddish bracts and the entire plant flushes a darker red when in flower.
Plant in full sun to shade. Requires very little soil or water and it hardy at least to 25° F. This plant makes a care free groundcover
Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii is a naturally occurring variety from Santa Caterina in Southern Brazil. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'aichme' meaning "spearhead" or "a point" in reference to thorny tips on the sepals and bracts. The specific epithet is the Latin word meaning recurved in reference to the way the leaves arch over and the varietal name apparently honors a Mr. Benrath, who discovered the plant.
This information about Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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