Aechmea fasciata

Aechmea fasciata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Bromelioideae
Genus: Aechmea
Subgenus: Platyaechmea
Species: A. fasciata
Binomial name
Aechmea fasciata [1]
(Lindl.) Baker

Aechmea fasciata (silver vase, urn plant) is a species of flowering plant in the bromeliad family, native to Brazil. This plant is probably the best known species in this genus, and it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate areas. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]

The plant grows slowly, reaching 30–90 cm (12–35 in) in height, with a spread of up to 60 cm (24 in). It has elliptic–oval-shaped leaves 45–90 cm (18–35 in) long and arranged in a basal rosette pattern.[3]

A. fasciata requires partial shade and a well-drained, but moisture-retentive soil. It can also be grown epiphytically, as, for example, with moss around its roots and wired to rough bark. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is too moist.[3]

Scale insects and mosquitos will sometimes breed in the pools of water that are trapped between the leaves.[3]

A. fasciata is listed in the FDA Poisonous Plant Database under the section for "Skin irritating substances in plants" and is known to cause contact dermititis, phytophoto dermatitis, and contact allergy.[4]

Cultivars

  • xAndrolaechmea 'Crateriformis'
  • xBillmea 'Rangitoto'
  • xCanmea 'Wild Tiger'
  • xNeomea 'Fascidorffii'
  • xNeomea 'Pink Cascade'
  • xNidumea 'Angellina'
  • xNidumea 'Midnight'
  • xNidumea 'Superstar'
  • xQuesmea 'Facsimile'

References

  1. ↑ "Aechmea fasciata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Aechmea fasciata". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 Gilman, Edward F. (October 1999). Aechmea fasciata (PDF) (Report). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
  4. ↑ "FDA Poisonous Plant Database". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 21 July 2014.

External links

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