Brazilian Cloak, Brazilian Red Cloak

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys Lindau

meg-ah-ska-SPAZ-mah  err-rith-row-CLAM-eez

Acanthaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from Greek for large and cover, referring to the bracts (DAV).  Erythrochlamys means red cloak.

Natural range: Tropical America (not Florida)

Recognition:  Large robust but weak-stemmed, erect shrub with opposite elliptic leaves and a large vertical plumelike inflorescence consisting of white flowers among dense purplish bracts, the inflorescence held above the foliage.

Justicia carnea likewise is a large Acanthaceae with a showy purplish inflorescence.  In the Justicia, the flowers are a light purplish, rosy color, in contrast with the purplish bracts and white flowers in Megaskepasma.

Landscape uses: Dramatic purple plumelike inflorescence.  DAV notes requirement for acid soil, but the plant fares well at PBCC where the soil is neutral to slightly alkaline.