Jewel Plant (Bertolonia Maculata)

Jewel Plant

Features and Characteristics

Bertolonia maculate, commonly known as bertolonia, is a tropical evergreen perennial that typically grows to only 6” tall. It is native to rain forests in northeastern Brazil. It is particularly noted for its showy, olive green leaves (to 3” long) suffused with lighter green and marked with silvery-green along the center in a continuous or broken stripe. Leaves have bright bristly hairs. Clusters of rose-pink flowers appear several times per year.

Genus name honors Antonio Bertoloni (1775-1869), Italian botanist and professor at Bologna, Italy.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin word maculate meaning spotted.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 1 Prefers part shade on moist, humusy, well-drained soils. Thrives in hot and humid climates. Tropical plant that dislikes temperatures which dip below 60 degrees F. Totally intolerant to frost.

Jewel Plant (Bertolonia Maculata) Requirements

Hardiness zone	11 - 12
Sun light	Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Outside tropical locations, it is best grown in greenhouses.

Jewel Plant (Bertolonia Maculata) Details

Common name	Jewel Plant
Botanical name	Bertolonia Maculata
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Melastomataceae
Hardiness zone	11 - 12
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Rose-Pink
Flowering period	Seasonal Bloomer
Height	0.25 To 0.50 Feet
Width	0.25 To 0.50 Feet