Brazilian Red Cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys)
The glossy oval pointed leaves of this shrub are topped by red spires of bloom from late fall through early summer. This shrub should be planted in moist shade to keep the big leaves from wilting or turning pale green in the full sun. The only disadvantage is the size. It can reach 15 feet tall and 10 feet across. For fast results plant at least 6-8 feet apart.

• Origin — Brazil to Venezuela
• Foliage — Large shiny, ribbed, oval pointed leaves
• Nutritional requirements — Shade and moisture.
• Salt tolerance — Poor
• Drought tolerance — Poor to medium after establishment
• Light requirement — Low to medium
• Growth rate — Fast
• Propagation — Seed, cuttings, seedlings
• Major problems — Mealybugs and scale, which are rare on healthy plants
• Environmental problems — None
  

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