Alcantarea (not “Alcanterea”)

A. imperialis Harms

A. odorata (Leme) J. R. Grant

Brazilian species are better known as species of Vriesia.

Bromeliaceae

Explanation of name: For Dom Pedro d'Alcântara, second Emperor of Brazil (1840-1889) http://bsi.org/brom_info/genera.html

Recognition: Large dramatic bromeliads.  Alcantarea imperialis is one of the largest cultivated Bromeliads, to 4’ tall, requiring a decade to mature.  Inflorescence to 9’ tall. The reddish cultivar ‘Rubra’ is popular.  Alcantarea odorata, also large, has silver-colored foliage.

Landscape uses: Grown on the ground or in exceptionally large containers for dramatic effect.  These are especially large, eye-catching selections. Best in sun but tolerant of shade