Habitat and Ecology
Ceratostema jorgebritoi is a very recently described species of pendent epiphytic shrub, endemic to the Eastern Andean foothills of Ecuador (Morona-Santiago province), near the town of Gualaquiza. It is part of the rare 'Andean blueberry' group (Ericaceae) and grows on the branches of trees in evergreen primary forests in superhumid, montane ecosystems at elevations around 1,300-2,000 metres. The species is named in honour of Jorge Brito-Molina, an Ecuadorian biologist. Like its close relatives, it requires cool, misty conditions and a highly porous, acidic substrate.
Description
This plant is an elegant, woody pendent shrub that forms long, descending to slightly arching branches. A notable feature is its tendency to develop a woody, swollen basal lignotuber (a caudex-like swelling), indicating its adaptation to nutrient storage. The leaves are typically large (up to 14 cm long), ovate, coriaceous (leathery), and dark green with a lustrous (shiny) upper surface. The base of the leaf is deeply cordate (heart-shaped), partially folding downwards and sometimes concealing the emerging flowers.
The flowers are borne solitarily or in very compact clusters in the leaf axils. The blooms are large, thick, and tubular-campanulate (bell-shaped), usually exhibiting a vibrant dark red or deep scarlet colour. The species is unique for having tetramerous (four-parted) flowers (a rarity in the genus) and stamens that are pilose (hairy) and nearly as long as the corolla. The flowers are followed by small, round berries.
Cultivation
Ceratostema jorgebritoi is a demanding cool-to-intermediate growing plant that requires strict conditions, making it best suited for a cool greenhouse or humid cabinet in the UK. It needs bright, filtered light and excellent air movement, and must be strictly shielded from direct midday sun. The substrate must be acidic (\text{pH 5.5-6.5}), chunky, and exceptionally free-draining; use an epiphytic mix of orchid bark, perlite, and a minimal amount of synthetic peat or coir. Keep the medium evenly and consistently moist, but never soggy.
Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-25 C (64-77 F)
Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A distinct cooling period is necessary, ideally 10-16 C (50-61 F}.
High humidity (70-80%+) is mandatory. Water with tepid, soft water (rainwater is preferred). Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, dilute ericaceous liquid fertiliser.
Unique Features
As a very rare and newly discovered Ecuadorian endemic, this plant is a highly valuable trophy specimen. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of large, glossy, deeply cordate leaves and its vibrant, dark scarlet, tubular flowers. The pendent habit and the possibility of a woody basal caudex (lignotuber) add significant architectural appeal, making it a spectacular feature plant for the specialized collector.
Specifications
Plant Size: plants 20 cm +
Plant Family: Ericaceae
Plant Passport: A Ceratostema jorgebritoi B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB
