Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: aechmea

Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad)

Comments: The dark leaves of Aechmea Royal Wine are a colorful addition to the landscape all year long. When the plant comes into bloom the leaves provide a perfect background for the orange inflorescence. The flower spike arches over to rest on the leaves or hover just above them. Blue flowers emerge from berry-like buds.