Re: I.D. Help Required/Megaskepasma erythrochlamys

>> 2/ I have a plant I bought as Megaskepasma
>> erythrochlamys. The flower looks
>> very similar to photos I have of this ( similar to
>> Odontonema strictum ) but
>> is in a rich violet colour. A soft, tropical looking
>> shrub & seems to flower
>> year round. Any ideas ?
>
>Glenn,
>
>Your description seems to be a good match for this
>plant.  This shrub is from the tropics, being native
>to Venezuela, and is usually only grown in USDA zones
>10-12.  The english common names are Red Justicia or
>Brazilian Red Cloak

David - Thanks for the advice. Overall our temperatures definitely are
higher than yours. It was about 35C yesterday so theres no shortage of heat
to push these things. Its just a question of finding the water.
My doubt about the ID on this one was that all the photos I've seen show a
distinctly red flower, where mine is definitely violet. What flower colour
did you see on the specimens you examined ?

The Red Justicia I know, & grow, as Justicia carnea. This is a lovely summer
flowering, low, shade shrub with a very lush look for something thats
relatively drought resistant. Also doing the Justicia carnea lutea this
year, with brilliant yellow flowers. Equally showy, though perhaps softer.

While on the subject of Justicias. I know they're looked down on now, but
the common old shrimp plant - Justicia brandegeana - mustn't be overlooked
as a marginal Med. plant either. For me they flower year round, sun or shade
& again, for something that doesn't look as though it should be, is
remarkably drought hardy. Theres several new varieties available here now
too, which extends their range of usage quite nicely.

Regards

Glenn Breayley. Ragnarok & Valhalla Research.
POBox 26158, Hout Bay, 7872, Capetown, South Africa
Ph/Fax SA 021 7904253 E-mail valhalla@iafrica.com
Wholesale nurseryman & Tillandsia specialist wholesale & retail grower.
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