DISCUSSION
Canistropsis simulans is distinguished from C. burchellii by its leaves which are slightly stiffer and shiny, especially on the abaxial surface. Actually, the leaf anatomy of this species more closely resembles that of C. microps than of C. burchellii (Chapter 5). It also differs from C. burchellii in its oblong-capitate inflorescence, less visible above the leaf rosette, which does not exceed 30 mm in diameter, plus the primary bracts which are not recurved, larger flowers and larger, non-lanate sepals
Canistropsis simulans is endemic to the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, and has a much smaller range than that of its closest morphological relative. This species lives in the Atlantic forest region up to ca. 400 m altitude, near the border between the states of Rio de Janeiro (where it is more common) and Sao Paulo, in the municipalities of Parati and Ubatuba, respectively.
It grows in the shady forest understory, on rocks or as an epiphyte low on the tree trunks.
Canistropsis simulans flowers from November to April; there probably are populations growing in the Bocaina National Park, so ex situ survival is guaranteed. There are at least three different clones of the species in cultivation. —SeeLeme 1998
