Plant · GBIF taxon 3773061
Brazilian red-cloak
Megaskepasma erythrochlamysAlso known as Red Cloak, Brazilian Red Cloak Bush, Red Cloak Shrub
Brazilian red-cloak stands out in tropical landscapes with its dramatic tower-like spikes of vivid crimson bracts that encase two-lipped white flowers. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to the nectar-rich blossoms, which open sequentially along the erect heads over many weeks. Native to northern South America, this fast-growing tropical shrub thrives in warm, humid understories and frost-free gardens worldwide.
TropicalFloweringOrnamental
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Snails
- Spider Mites
ThreatsHabitat loss, severe frost, prolonged drought
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid woodlands, warm gardens
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLamiales
- FamilyAcanthaceae
- GenusMegaskepasma
- SpeciesMegaskepasma erythrochlamys
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Lighting: Look for these vibrant shrubs blooming best in bright, filtered sunlight or partial shade.
- Pruning Care: Observe how heavy pruning after flowering encourages bushier growth and denser crimson flower heads.
- Wildlife Watching: Position yourself quietly nearby to watch hummingbirds feed at the tubular white blossoms.
Ecological Partner (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid · cc-by
Family Relative Rror / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Relative (c) Jake Armstrong, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Armstrong · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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