Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Chiapas, Mexico. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Inland Cliff) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphytic airplant forming large clumps where conditions are ideal |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves to 40cm in length, covered by a dense layer of trichomes, dull greyish - whitish green, becoming dull purplish red in full sun or very bright light. Leaf bases often tinged brownish black. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence to 30cm in length, bracts distichous, imbricate and fully covering the rachis, dull pink, covered with a dense layer of white trichomes. Flowers bright bluish violet. |
| Habitat | In its native habitat, this species can be found growing directly on rocks on cayon walls |
| Etymology | This species has been named after the area (Chiapas in Mexico) from which the species was first collected |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Skyrise / Balcony |
| Thematic Landscaping | Bird & Wildlife Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Planting Remarks | Grows best under full sun but will tolerate very bright shade. When watering, do not allow water to collect in the leaf axils as this will cause the plant to rot. Allow the plant to dry off completely before watering again. Plants must be grown in areas with good ventilation; if grown indoors, plants can be soaked overnight in a tub of water to which a dilute liquid fertilizer has been added. This can be done on a weekly basis. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method Remarks | 'Pups' (plantlets) produced at the base of the adult plant after flowering can be detached and grown into new plants |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Red, Silver / Grey, White |
| Foliar Modification | Trichome / Hair |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30967 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5353 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
