Alcantarea imperialis SEEDS

Alcantarea imperialis seeds grow into the imperial giant bromeliad one of the largest bromeliads in the world, native to the seasonally dry tropical biome of the rocky outcrops (inselbergs) of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro in south-eastern Brazil. Not an epiphyte but a true lithophyte this majestic plant grows directly on bare granite and quartzite rock faces and outcrops, anchoring itself with powerful roots. A single mature rosette can have leaves up to 3 m tall and a tank that holds up to 30 litres of rainwater forming a complete miniature ecosystem for frogs, invertebrates and microorganisms. Named after Dom Pedro de Alcntara, Emperor Pedro II of Brazil (18251891), in honour of his patronage of botanical science. Monocarpic flowers once in its lifetime after many years of growth, then dies. Family Bromeliaceae.

Full sun to bright light; extremely well-drained rocky or gritty substrate; drought-tolerant; warm subtropical conditions. A slow-growing giant requiring patience and space.

• Lithophyte on bare granite and quartzite rock faces NOT an epiphyte; anchors to bare rock
• Leaves to 3 m tall; tank holds up to 30 litres a complete miniature ecosystem
• Brazil (Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro) seasonally dry tropical biome; SE Brazilian inselbergs
• Named after Emperor Pedro II of Brazil (18251891); monocarpic flowers once then dies
• Full sun; rocky gritty substrate; drought-tolerant; warm subtropical; Family Bromeliaceae

Alcantarea imperialis is the imperial giant bromeliad one of the most spectacular plants in the world, a slow-growing colossus of the Brazilian granite inselbergs whose 3-metre leaves, 30-litre water tank and monocarpic once-in-a-lifetime flowering make it one of the most impressive botanical specimens a collector can grow.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.