Cryptanthus acaulis

Bromelia pumila, Otto & A.Dietr. 1836
Cryptanthus acaulis var. acaulis
Cryptanthus acaulis var. argenteus, Beer 1856
Cryptanthus acaulis var. discolor, (Otto & A.Dietr.) Mez 1896
Cryptanthus acaulis var. genuinus, Mez 1896
Cryptanthus acaulis var. purpureus, Baker 1871
Cryptanthus acaulis var. ruber, Beer 1856
Cryptanthus discolor, Otto & A.Dietr. 1836
Cryptanthus pumilus, Gentil 1907
Cryptanthus sinuosus, L.B.Sm. 1955
Cryptanthus testaceus, É.Morren
Cryptanthus testaceus, É.Morren ex Baker 1889
Cryptanthus undulatus, Otto & A.Dietr. 1836
Cryptanthus undulatus var. purpureus, (Baker) Baker 1889
Cryptanthus undulatus var. ruber, (Beer) Baker 1889
Madvigia densiflora, Liebm. 1854
Tillandsia acaulis, Lindl. 1828

acaulis = stemless

terrestric in shady places, along the Atlantic coast of Brazil far inland, more southerly than the other species.

Cryptanthus species grow terrestrially as evergreen, perennial herbaceous plants. Most species are relatively small. The coarse, parallel-veined foliage leaves sit on a compressed main axis in a basal rosette. The stem leaves are slightly armed with a toothed leaf margin. The most decorative thing about the Cryptanthus species are their sometimes wavy, often beautifully patterned.
Cryptanthus only form a few roots and, like all other bromeliads, feed via suckers or the water in the calyx. After flowering, several keikis usually form from the heart, which can be easily removed and potted when 3-5cm of size.
Cryptanthus only achieve their full colour when they start to flower. The more light they get at this time, the more intense the leaf colour will be.