Bromeliaceae
The bromeliads are epiphytic herbs or terrestrial xerophytes almost exclusively native to the Americas, with the exception of a single species in West Africa. Also dubbed the "pineapple family", Bromeliaceae includes about 45 genera and 2,000 species, characterized by conspicuous floral bracts, strap-like scales on the plant surfaces, and the presence of silica bodies within the cell epidermis. Plants may also form a vase-shaped leaf rosette to absorb accumulated water and external nutrients (1, 2, 3).
The Tillandsia genus within Bromeliaceae includes the popular "air plants" - tropical species that are capable of growing without substrate. They are commonly suspended or attached to other surfaces for decoration (4).
The Tillandsia genus within Bromeliaceae includes the popular "air plants" - tropical species that are capable of growing without substrate. They are commonly suspended or attached to other surfaces for decoration (4).