About Brownea grandiceps Jacq.
Commonly known as the rose of Venezuela, Brownea grandiceps Jacq. is a small, slow-growing tree with stout branches that ultimately reach around 6 metres (20 ft) in height. Its trunk has greyish-brown, lightly furrowed bark, and its new shoots and leaf stalks are covered in downy hairs. The leaves are opposite, elongated, and pinnate, with 12 to 18 pairs of oblong or lanceolate leaflets that each end in a bristle-like point. When the drooping leaves first unfurl, they are pale green with tiny pink and cream spots; as they mature, they turn brownish-pink, and finally become a uniform green. Globular inflorescences hold many crimson, red, deep pink or purple tubular flowers, each with projecting stamens and style. The flower heads can grow up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) across, and typically dangle below the tree’s foliage. Seeds are held in groups of long, brown, furry pods. This species is native to Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Colombia, where it grows in tropical rainforest. It requires a minimum temperature of 55 °F (13 °C), and grows well in both full sun and partial shade. The rose of Venezuela thrives in seasonally inundated forest areas, and is often found growing alongside Virola duckei and Inga thibaudiana. Many epiphytic plants and lianas grow among its branches. The flowers produce large amounts of nectar, which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. At night, the leaves rise to expose the flowers to dew, then sink again in the morning to protect the flowers from the sun.
