Cryptanthus

Cryptanthus zonatus, with wavy -drawn leaves.

Cryptanthus is a plant genus in the subfamily Bromelioideae, which belongs to the family of bromeliads ( Bromeliaceae ). There are about 60 described species.

Naming

Cryptanthus derives "hidden" from Ancient Greek κρυπτός kryptós, "hidden", and ancient Greek ἄνθος anthos for " flower " or " flower " from. The genus name means so directly sets Verstecktblühende. Members of this genus are called Erdsterne rare.

Dissemination

Your areas lie almost exclusively in the dry forests of eastern Brazil. They are mostly terrestrial species living on the forest floor.

Description

Cryptanthus species grow as an evergreen, perennial herbaceous plants. They grow mostly terrestrial. Most Cryptanthus types are relatively small ( Rose diameter 15 to 30 cm, more rarely ). The tough, parallel venation leaves sitting on a compressed main axis in a basal rosette. The leaves are slightly reinforced by a toothed margin. The most decorative to the Cryptanthus species are their sometimes wavy, often beautifully drawn ( patterned ) leaves. The leaves have at least on the lower leaf surface Saugschuppen.

The inflorescences have greatly upset shoot axes and so sit all the flowers in a " bowl" together in the center of the rosette of leaves (very inconspicuous, "hidden", hence the name). The small flowers are radial symmetry and threefold. The three most often white, sometimes greenish, spreading petals forming blunt. There are two circles, each with three stamens present. The stamens are partially fused with the petals. Three carpels are fused into one inferior ovary. The style ends in a three-lobed stigma.

The flowers formula is.

Are formed berries.

Use

Some species and varieties (there are also varieties with variegated leaves ) are grown in special nurseries and so you can find them from time to time in garden centers and flower shops. They are very well suited as houseplants because they are very easy to maintain and are relatively small. Since they are very robust, are not eaten by most animals and are completely non-toxic, it can be recommended for very terrariums. Propagation is by Kindel.

System

There are about 60 species Cryptanthus:

• Cryptanthus acaulis: Cryptanthus acaulis var acaulis
• Cryptanthus acaulis var ruber

• Cryptanthus bivittatus bivittatus var
• Cryptanthus bivittatus var atropurpureus

• Cryptanthus zonatus f fuscus
• Cryptanthus zonatus f viridis

Swell

• Harry E. Luther: An Alphabetical List of Bromeliad Binomials, 2008 The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida, USA. Published by The Bromeliad Society International. (PDF file, 314 kB)