This Cultivar is featured in the Journal of the Bromeliad Society (JBS) 1982 pages 64/65. The parentage of Vriesea 'Mira' is (V. malzinei x V. heliconioides var. polysticha) Photos of both V. 'Mira' and its parents are shown. The influence of the V. heliconioides is shown in the wider floral bracts which open to right angles to the rhachis. In V. malzinei the floral bracts are narrower and open about 45 degrees to the rhachis.
) ) Vriesea shown by Bullis as Vriesea malzinei but believed to be Vriesea 'Mira' |  Vriesea 'Mira' JBS 1982 |  Parents of Vriesea 'Mira' JBS 1982 |
Another outstanding feature is the brilliant red of the floral bracts also obtained from the parent Vriesea heliconioides. Most Vriesea malzinei found in collections have pale green to yellow floral bracts with a darker green borders but there is another form said by Lyman Smith to have reddish-brown floral bracts with green borders.
Let me digress for a moment. In 1974 Professor Matuda wrote in the Journal of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Mexico "In May 1973 Dr. Alfred Lau was swimming at Presa Miguel Aleman, in Oaxaca, and he saw some plants on a cliff. He later returnd to the spot and was able to collect some specimens. They proved to be the lost Vriesea malzinei of E. Morren"
In the description of the plants found, Matuda said the floral bracts were "rojo" which is Spanish for a ruddy colour - not exactly brilliant red!
So I will be treating the photo from Bullis as Vriesea 'Mira' unless I hear
some concrete evidence to the contrary. Please have a look at the
photographs and judge for yourself."