The Brazilian red cloak is a monotypic genus of plants containing a single species, Megaskepasma erytrochlamys.
The plant family is Acanthaceae.
This is a free-branching, upright, showy, and tropical shrub that is native to Venezuela, and is also found throughout the tropical Americas.
Growing from 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, this evergreen semi-woody perennial shrub has large clusters of bright crimson red bracts and broad, ovate green leaves. This plant can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings.
This is a drought-resistant shrub that prefers rich soil and can take full sun. It can bloom off and on for many months.
It can be found in the gardens at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.
Don’t miss the Garden to Table flower show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21. It is free and open to the public. For more information, email Emily at eyaffe13@yahoo.com or call (941) 955-0875.
A preview party for the event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. the night before. Tickets are $15 per person. Purchase them online at SarasotaGardenClub.org.
Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair, Sarasota Garden Club
Author: Siesta Sand