About Rokautskyia
Rokautskyia is a genus in subfamily Bromelioideae of the bromeliad family, comprising about 14 species separated from Cryptanthus in 2017. It is native to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, especially the state of Espírito Santo. Many species develop elongated, branching stems and bear narrow leaves with wavy, softly spined margins and flowers set in the center of the rosette. The name honors the Brazilian plant collector Roberto Anselmo Kautsky. Species such as R. microglazioui are grown by bromeliad enthusiasts.
A delicate terrestrial bromeliad characterized by narrow leaves with scalloped margins and soft spines. Originally described as Cryptanthus microglazioui in 1998 and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. The specific epithet refers to its resemblance to Cryptanthus glazioui but in smaller form. Develops a branching stem reaching approximately 15 cm. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo state, Brazil.
A caulescent bromeliad species distinguished by its stem-forming growth habit. Originally described as Cryptanthus caulescens, it was transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on molecular and morphological analyses. The species is characterized by its distinctive stem development, which sets it apart from acaulescent relatives in the Cryptanthoid complex. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of eastern Brazil.
A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus fernseeoides. The specific epithet refers to its resemblance to species of the genus Fernseea. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on phylogenetic revisions of the Cryptanthoid complex. Forms rosettes of leaves and occurs in the humid Atlantic Forest understory. Endemic to eastern Brazil.
A terrestrial bromeliad characterized by its broad leaves, as indicated by the specific epithet latifolia (Latin for "broad-leaved"). Originally described as Cryptanthus latifolius and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. Forms rosettes in the shaded understory of the Atlantic Forest. The wider leaves distinguish this species from narrow-leaved congeners. Endemic to eastern Brazil.
A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus leuzingerae. The specific epithet honors a person named Leuzinger. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on molecular phylogenetic studies of the Cryptanthoid complex. Forms compact rosettes in the understory of the Atlantic Forest. Endemic to eastern Brazil and found in humid forest environments.
A terrestrial bromeliad notable for its highly fragrant flowers, as indicated by the specific epithet odoratissima (Latin superlative meaning "most fragrant"). Originally described as Cryptanthus odoratissimus and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. Members of the former Cryptanthus subgenus Hoplocryptanthus, to which this species shows affinity, are characterized by perfumed flowers. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil.
Scientific Name
Rokautskyia
Family