Bromeliad plant named `Guz 210`

Abstract

A sport of Guzmania `Minnie-Exodus` (unpatented) which differs from other Guzmania in the fact that it has tri-colored variegated leaves, white tipped floral bractlets and deep red inflorescence.

Description

This present invention relates to Bromeliads and, primarily, to a Bromeliad which is the product of division of a sport of the parent Guzmania `Minnie-Exodus` (unpatented) which is a hybrid of Guzmania zahnii.times.Guzmania lingulata `minor`. The plant of this invention was a naturally occurring, vegetative sport discovered as a single plant growing in a planting of `Minnie-Exodus`.

In point of fact, the plant is the product of a long period of development which I have conducted over many years in the effort to provide plants of the Bromeliad family which are commercially desirable and healthy as far as being able to ship and display.

As a result of this program, I have developed the instant variety and selected the same from a sport of Guzmania as indicated herein and this particular plant, I denominate `Guz 210`.

I have caused the plant to be reproduced by division in the neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and found that over time as a result of such asexual reproduction and continuing reproduction the plant holds true from generation to generation.

Generally speaking, this sport is distinguished from other plants resulting from other Guzmania by expressing a different color combination and is colorful even when not in flower. The plant of this invention is identical to the `Minnie-Exodus` except for the tri-colored variegation of the leaves, the white tipped flower bractlets and the deep red inflorescence. Due to the tri-colored effect of the leaves, it is similar in effect to `Guz 214` except this plant has more leaves, approximately 6 to 10, more color on the leaves, is more red than `Guz 214` and the inflorescence is differently shaped. The white tips on the floral bractlets are an added attraction, the color in the inflorescence lasts eight to ten weeks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

I append hereto a color illustration of a typical plant of my new variety and is shown as near the actual colors of the plant as photo reproduction of this kind can depict.

Color values presented in this disclosure were taken from the Munsell Color Cascade. Color definitions of ordinary meaning are presented where appropriate and properly descriptive. Colors are approximate as color depends on horticultural practices such as light level and fertilization rate, among others, without, however any variance in genotype.

In order to point out more specifically the most notable aspects and novel characteristics of the plant of this invention, as set forth above, the following detailed botanical description presents the general as well as the specific characteristics of `Guz 210`.

General characteristics:

Type.--Monocot, perennial.

Habit.--Medium, vigorous, upright, spreading and dense.

Hardiness.--Tender.

Size.--About 25 to 27 inches in width and about 18 to 20 inches, including inflorescence, in height.

Shape.--Vase formed.

Leaves:

Length.--20 to 22 inches.

Width.--11/4 inches. Medium size, acuminate, acutely pointed, medium thickness, light green and smooth.

Color.--22-11 on obverse and 22-14 on reverse; Variegated longitudinally with 25-1 color; Variegation varies in width and is flushed with 45-6 on obverse and stained with 43-8 on reverse, more heavily at base of leaves.

Margin.--Smooth.

Inflorescence: Branched.

Flower buds: Tender, medium, conic and appressed.

Bracts:

Primary bracts.--Linear acute with same variegation as the leaves; Size of bracts about 7 inches.times.1 inch; Color 25-1.

Floral bract.--Acute; Size about 5 inches.times.1 inch decreasing in size to about 3 inches.times.1 inch at apex; Color 41-13 (obverse and reverse), unvariegated.

Flower bractlets.--Clasping the flower; Color 41-13, tipped 25-1.

Flowers: Cylindrical corolla; Color 25-1 at anthesis; Petals half open at anthesis.

Reproductive organs: Six stamen, two joined to each petal 1/4 of the distance from the base, stigmata while, sterile F.sup.1 hybrid, infertile.

Claims

1. A new and distinctive cultivar of Guzmania plant named `Guz 210`, as described and illustrated, characterized particularly as to novelty by the tri-colored variegation of its leaves, white tipped flower bractlets and deep red inflorescence.