Fauna
Plant

Brazilian Red-cloak

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys

Also 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
Brazilian Red-cloak reference1 / 7
(c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Pruett · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Caterpillars
  • Snails
  • Spider Mites
ThreatsHabitat loss, severe frost, prolonged drought
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid woodlands, warm gardens
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyAcanthaceae
  3. GenusMegaskepasma
  4. SpeciesMegaskepasma erythrochlamys
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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