Portea kermesina

Portea kermesina ('kermesina'=crimson) is a plant species in the genus Portea in the bromeliad family.

The bromeliad is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira) and to Bahia state, located in southeastern Brazil.

It grows near rivers at sea level. It is a critically endangered species.

Description
Portea kermesina contains a dozen or so broad green and red leaves, that reach 30 in long and 2 in wide.

The plant produces a flower spike with "large, rose bracts and blue-petaled flowers." The inflorescence flowers at a height of 6-8 in and is characterized by a purplish red color.

Porteas from Brazil are some of the most decorative. Portea kermesina has apple green leaves and thrives in diffused light.