Cryptanthus zonatus 'Elaine'

Cryptanthus zonatus, with a diameter of approximately 20 to a maximum of 30 cm, is a relatively small bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) native to the east coast of Brazil. There, it grows terrestrially (in the ground) in relatively dry savanna regions, not as an epiphyte in the rainforest like many other bromeliads. For this reason, Cryptanthus are often also called "earth stars." The tough, thick leaves serve as water storage.

Cobia zonatus has a dark brown to black base color with very striking white banding. It is therefore also called the zebra plant or zebra earthstar. The cultivar 'Elaine' has pink variegation running lengthwise along the leaf margin. It was selected over a period of nine years by the Cobia Nursery in Winter Garden, Florida, and patented in 1980.

It is often still sold under the old synonym Cryptanthus fosterianus . However, this name is no longer accepted. The correct botanical name, also for the cultivar 'Elaine', is Cryptanthus zonatus .

Sometimes 'Elaine' is also sold as 'Eileen'. This is a spelling mistake.

After an inflorescence has formed, the mother plant slowly dies and produces many small offshoots that emerge on the sides.