About Portea petropolitana (Wawra) Mez
Portea petropolitana, a bromeliad species endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira) of southeastern Brazil, grows wild in the Brazilian states of Bahia, EspÃrito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Two of its varieties are cultivated as ornamental plants. Portea petropolitana var. petropolitana is native to coastal areas of EspÃrito Santo. Before flowering, this variety reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet. Its dark green, heavily spined leaves grow in a stiff rosette formation. Its inflorescence grows 12 to 18 inches long, and produces colorful flowers with white-lavender petals and orange sepals. Portea petropolitana var. extensa, also native to EspÃrito Santo, was introduced by American plant collector and breeder M. B. Foster. All parts of this variety are smaller than those of P. petropolitana var. petropolitana. It is distinguished by light yellow-green leaves and a coral red inflorescence that grows from an upright rosette. Its flowers have lavender petals and apple green ovaries, and produce berries that turn dark purple when mature.
