Vriesea hieroglyphica

Vriesea hieroglyphica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Vriesea
Species: V. hieroglyphica
Binomial name
Vriesea hieroglyphica
(Carrière) E. Morren

Vriesea hieroglyphica is a species of the genus Vriesea. This species is endemic to Brazil. The name refers to the markings on the leaves that resemble hieroglyphs; it has been nicknamed "king of the bromeliads."[1]

Description

This bromeliad grows at low altitudes in humid conditions under the shade of trees in southern Brazil. It develops green leaves with irregular dark cross banding and recurved tips - the leaf markings make it a decorative plant of great commercial value.[2] It typically blooms in spring, branching yellow flowers on a tall branched spike. The species should be grown at a northern exposure with assured humidity.[3] In full, the plant develops 30-40 shiny, bright green leaves measuring 3 feet long and 3 inches wide. The tall, light green flower spike "bears a branched inflorescence with 1-inch-long, pale green bracts and dull yellow-petaled flowers." The Variety Marginata has broad bands of cream ivory.[4]

Cultivars

References

  1. Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. p. 104. ISBN 0517562413.
  2. Rauh, Werner (1979). Bromeliads For Home, Garden and Greenhouses. Nlandford Press Ltd. p. 349. ISBN 071370845X.
  3. Kramer, Jack (1976). Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. pp. 90; 100. ISBN 0-442-24518-1.
  4. Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. p. 104. ISBN 0517562413.
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