Alcantarea imperialis rubra
(air)
Description
A dark-red giant previously known as Vriesa imperialis, this plant can attain a span of more than 1.5 meters in ten years. The leaves are leathery and tough and tinge a deep red in bright light. The flower spike is thick and red, and can grow up to 2.5 meters in height, producing hundreds of lightly fragrant, white flowers. A native to Rio de Janeiro, the plant can withstand relatively cool temperatures.