Portea petropolitana

Portea petropolitana
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Bromeliaceae
Genus:	Portea
Species:	P. petropolitana
Binomial name
Portea petropolitana (Wawra) Mez
Varieties
Portea petropolitana var. petropolitana Portea petropolitana var. extensa Portea petropolitana var. noettigii

Portea petropolitana is a plant species of the genus Portea, in the family Bromeliaceae.

Distribution

The

It is found within the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro (state)

Description

There are two varieties of Portea petropolitana that are cultivated as ornamental plants:

• Portea petropolitana var. petropolitana — native to
  Espirito Santo near the ocean. It may reach a height of 3 to 4 feet prior to flowering. The dark green leaves are heavily spined and form a stiff rosette. The inflorescence reaches 12 to 18 inches long, bearing colorful flowers with white lavender petals and orange sepals.^[1]

• Portea petropolitana var. extensa native to
  Espirito Santo. Introduced by American plant collector and breeder M. B. Foster. It is smaller in all parts compared to the other variety.^[2] It is characterized by light yellow green leaves and a coral red inflorescence with an upright rosette. The flower contains lavender petals, apple green overies, and berries that turn dark purple.^[3]