Jim Irvin has a knack with Cryptanthus, (as well as other bromeliads!), and has produced numerous first-class hybrids.  This is one of which he can be proud.  This hybrid, a cultivar of ‘Sweet Tooth’ x ‘Ice Age,’ and a grex mate to ‘Very Cold Tooth,’ is a dark brown, almost black plant with closely spaced cross banding of silver trichomes with dense silver white scurf underneath.  The inch-wide leaves are long and graceful, undulating at the margins in a symmetrical rosette.

*VIPP plants are Offsets

This Jim Irvin hybrid is one of three cultivars of ‘Diverse Pink’ x sinuosus ‘Cascade,’ the others being ‘Roman Candle’ and ‘Strawberries Flambe,’ having 15+ lanceolate leaves forming a medium-large plant with a full round shape to 18″ in diameter.  The medium narrow leaves in bright green flushed with orange-red along the margins at maturity are so shiny as to appear polished.  The undersides of the leaves are covered in a light lineated white scurf.

*VIPP plants are Offsets

A large growing beauty by Stephen Hoppin can grow to a 24 inch rosette. The color is black to dark chocolate brown, glossy with wavy, silvery cross bands. Some silver shading in the leaves. Leaf tips turn downward. 'Ebony Beauty' x (x Roseus)