Aechmea fulgens Brongn.
Literature references:
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Comments:
- Two often misnamed aechmeas are Aechmea fulgens Brogn. and Aechmea miniata (Beer) Hort. ex Baker. Central to the problem is that the species seem to be rather uncommon compared to their hybrids. For example, ALL of the variegated, marginated and variously striped cultivars proported to belong to Aechmea fulgens appear to be hybrids. Two named hybrids descending exclusively from the species in question are Aechmea ‘Compacta’ and A. ‘Maginalii’(should be treated as greges rather than cultivars) produced in Germany and Florida respectively and others with less well-documented origins doubtlessly exist. The hybrids are generally intermediate between the species, often more vigorous, and may be keyed to either Aechmea fulgens or A. miniata (usually the latter) depending on the time of day or mood of the observer. They are troublesome.
True Aechmea miniata and A. fulgens, if you can find them, may be distinguished by a suite of characters:
Aechmea miniata
1. Inflorescence 6-16 cm long, branched nearly to its apex, globose.
2. Flowers 14-15 mm long.
3. Sepals to 4 mm long.
4. Petals to 10 mm long.
5. Ovary globose, 5 mm long.
Aechmea fulgens
1. Inflorescence 12-20cm long, branched only in its lower half, conical.
2.Flowers 20-22 mm long.
3. Sepals 5 mm long.
4. Petals to 12 mm long.
5. Ovary ellipsoid, 8-10mm long.
In my experience, the post-anthesis color of the inflorescence becomes coppery in Aechmea miniata but remains more of an orange-cerise in A. fulgens.
As both species are native to north-central Brazil, near the Equator, they are somewhat cold sensitive. The hybrids seem more hardy. —See Luther 1992f p. 42(1): 8
