James Burghardt
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
Cryptanthus
Plant Common Name
Cryptanthus, Earth Star
General Description
Brazilian in origin, Cryptanthus comprises approximately 50 species. Earth stars are largely terrestrial (ground dwelling) ornamentals that have been highly bred, so there are thousands more hybrid cultivars. They tend to be low-growing and many have a spreading habit, so these tropical evergreens tend to be grown as colorful groundcovers. In the wild, they inhabit rainforest floors, so they are most adapted to partial sun or shade.
Cryptanthus are comprised of colorful foliar rosettes that tend to spread via stolons or rhizomes (horizontally spreading above or below ground stems). The name "cryptanthus" is derived from Greek and translates to "hidden" (kryptos) "flower" (anthos), so the three-petaled flowers of species in this genus tend be inconspicuous.
Terrestrial, rainforest plants such as these need consistent moisture, but also require well-drained soil or growing medium. Dry soils of any kind will not be tolerated. Many Cryptanthus are sensitive to direct sun and wind, so be sure to plant them in protected spots with filtered light. Hardiness is species dependent, but all must have warm growing conditions. Frost will immediately kill these plants.
Use and design applications depend on the variety or species, but most make excellent container or tropical trough specimens or tropical groundcovers for yard and landscape.
Characteristics
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Native To
North America, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Evergreen
Yes
