Luther & Leme 1998b (Article) Canistrum

A new Canistrum species from Bahia

Author(s):—H.E. Luther & E.M.C. Leme

Publication:—Bromélia, Revista da Sociedade Brasiliera de Bromélias 5(1-4): 19-22. (1998)

Abstract:—This new species differs from the similar and related C. sandrae by having leaf blades more evenly spinose; a shorter scape; a distinctly corymbose, subglobose inflorescence that is densely brown-lanate at anthesis and with less developed involucral bracts; broader, more lanate floral bracts; slightly broader sepals that are more densely lanate apically, and free petals that are inconspicuously and irregularly dentate appendaged. Canistrum lanigerum also shows a great deal of similarity to Aechmea mollis L. B. Smith, also from Southern Bahia, but differs by having a more stellate inflorescence with purple rose (not yellow) petals. In many respects this taxon bridges the genera Canistrum and Aechmea s. 1. When first collected (post floral), C. lanigerum was thought to be an odd, very large plant of A. mollis. Only later, when the plant flowered in cultivation, was its unusual nature discovered. The specific name refers to the wooly appearence of the inflorescence at anthesis.

Published names (1):

Canistrum lanigerum