Species/Cultivar: Species

Seed parent plant:

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Taxonomic rank: Species

Hybridizer:  

Native distribution: Vittata grows in the woods of Southern Brazil at altitudes between 3,600 and 4,200ft

Habit: This is a tough hardy tubular shaped plant heavily festooned with silver trichomes in a distinctive banded pattern that boldly contrasts with the leaf pigments. The tube form is about 500 - 600mm high and retains a reservoir of water in the tube. The plant produces a brilliant red pink pendulous inflorescence with a series of small blue flowers. Honey eaters such as the Eastern Spinebill feed of the nectar.

In shade the leaves are dark green, while in bright sunlight the plant produces more anthocyanin pigments with the leaves changing to a deep green, purple, red.

Through asexual reproduction the plant quickly produces pups and forms a dense clump. Clumps with many plants can flower twice a year. Although a common plant it cannot be overestimated as a valuable species for any epiphytic situation where the climate is hot and dry. My experiments show, it will grow perfectly in the ground, attached to tree bark, on a metal frame or even suspended in air with no support structure.

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Peduncle Bract:

Peduncle:

Inflorescence:

Flowers: While the flowers only last a few days each, the inflorescence remains showy for 4-5 weeks. When pollinated, edible ovoid shaped berries forms at the base of the flower.

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Collection: NZ & Aust