Range: Northeastern Argentina, western and eastern mountains of Brazil up into Colombia and Venezuela

 

This widespread South American species is a member of the “D. capillaris group” and somewhat enigmatic in designation, having been previously split into several no longer recognized subtaxa (either due to evidence of improper herbarium specimens representing other species or mislabeling in cultivation) as well as occasionally planted into other species. It grows across the highland and mountainous regions on both the eastern and western flanks of Brazil and into adjoining countries, growing just about anywhere there is mossy or peaty soil and a continuous supply of water. It is a rosetted species growing to around 5 cm in diameter, with semi-erect paddle-shaped leaves bearing parallel petioles typically equal up to around twice the length of the lamina and lined with a bristly indumentum, and roughly lengthwise ovate lamina with blunt tips that may be notably longer than wide or just barely longer than they are broad. Coloration ranges from bright green with red tentacles to yellowish or solid red throughout. Red stipules are also distinct within the growth point. Inflorescences are large, capable of exceeding 30 cm or more in height, and narrow with a glabrous surface. They bear a number of small, delicate pink 0.5 cm flowers with bright to dark pink, ovate petals.

This species can be distinguished from related taxa via the red stipules, elongate ovate lamina (as opposed to nearly rounded or triangular in most D. capillaris), and the exceedingly long, glabrous inflorescence among other traits.

 

Cultivation: grow in any suitable peat/sand based soil mix, kept moist to even flooded and moderately humidwith daytime temperatures of70-90°F, nighttime slightly cooler at  50-65°F. Sow seeds on soil surface, and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces by seed and can be grown through leaf and root cuttings.

 

Sources: https://www.grislygrotto.com/hcb/marcommunis.jpg

http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30052321-2