From Derek ... "I am currently discussing this plant with the Kiwis. Ruby Ryde believes it is a Nidularium procerum, as she has collected the true Nidularium antoineanum in Brazil.
The Kiwis were told that it was Nidularium procerum by person/s unknown.
I disected the plant and still came to the conclusion it is Nidularium antoineanum and was the only one willing to stick out my neck in writing. It seems to be between these species but no one knows how it got to Australia and New Zealand. It has been here for over 20 years!
This bract colour changing from red to blue after flowering is to my mind unique and this plant needs a cultivar name. With tongue in cheek I have suggested 'Litmus Paper' because it aptly describes what happens but I am not sure if this will be the final name. I'll keep you in touch with developments."
Post Script : This has now been listed in the BSI register as "Litmus".
From FCBS : "A plant circulating in the USA, AU & NZ. as antoineanum. Nobody knows who identified it but it seems closely related to procerum. Its name reflects its unique habit where the primary bracts are red at anthesis but as the inflorescence ages these turn blue."