Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin - this is a red leafed cultivar of A lucidus that was bred for the European market |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Bromeliad to 1m in height |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves linear, to 1m long by 4cm wide, margins armed with sharp prickles towards the leaf tips, otherwise usually unarmed or nearly so. Upper surface of leaves glabrous, light olive green with dull reddish brown median stripe, under surface glaucous, covered with a layer of trichomes. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence globose, to 5cm across, floral bracts and sepals bright pink. Petals white, suffused with purple on upper one third (towards the tip). |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: The plants are cultivated on a local scale to harvest 'Curagua', a cream/ white coloured fibre that is used to make clothing and strings, and in weaving. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Focal Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Bird & Wildlife Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch, Spines/Thorns - Flower |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Grow this plant away from areas with pedestrian traffic as leaves may be spiny (towards the leaf tips); also keep children and pets away from the plant to avoid being scratched. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pruning | Wear gloves/ other protective gear when carrying out pruning/ maintenance as plant can be prickly. |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Sucker, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Brown, Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery, Spiny / Bristly / Stinging, Thick |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Green - Light Green, Pink, Purple, Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Powdery / Waxy Bloom, Thorny / Spiny |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31544 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5943 |
| 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. |
