An eye-catching member of the Acanthaceae family of plants is the frost-sensitive shrub known as Brazilian red cloak (ht 2-3m). It has vibrant crimson bracts in bold spikes held above huge, glossy, veined leaves. The foliage provides a useful tropical-looking effect for the rest of the year, like some of the other members of the Acanthaceae family, such as Justicia carnea and the Rhinacanthus beesianus.
