'Auntie Margaret Queries'

Aechmea nudicaulis (Porto Limon) / Aechmea 'Blue Nude'

Margaret Butcher

In July 1985 Aechmea nudicaulis (Porto Limon) was on offer. Porto Limon or Puerto Limon is a popular name and there are quite a few places with that name. However, we believe it to be that in Costa Rica. The plants grew up with typical A. nudicaulis shape and some flowered like A. nudicaulis. However, at least one displayed pale blue flowers and the inflorescence suggesting influence from a plant of the sub genus Ortgiesia, which come from south east Brazil. Clearly the seed did not come from Porto Limon, but from a plant from Porto Limon growing in someone's collection. Some can still be identified within the wide range of Aechmea nudicaulis but certainly ours with the blue flowers needs a cultivar name. This will be Aechmea 'Blue Nude'. Auntie Margaret

Aechmea nudicaulis Porto Limon

Aechmea nudicaulis Porto Limon flower

Aechmea 'Blue Nude'

Photo Credits:
Aechmea nudicaulis Porto Limon - Derek Butcher
Aechmea nudicaulis Porto Limon flower - Derek Butcher
Aechmea 'Blue Nude' - Derek Butcher