Family Bromeliaceae
Bromeliads is the name given to a group of plants which mainly originate in South America. The group contains plants which are quite diverse in appearance, such as Aechmea fasciata and Bilbergia nutans. Several of the genera contain epiphytes, which in their native habitat grow on the trunks and branches of trees, obtaining their food from the air mainly through their leaves. Others are terrestial plants which grow in the ground obtaining their plant food through their roots. Probably the most well-known bromeliads are Aechmea fasciata (urn or vase plant), Vriesia splendens (flaming sword plant), Guzmania lingulata, Tillandsia lindenii, Bilbergia nutans, Ananas comosus (common pineapple), Neorogelia carolinae, Nidularium innocentii and various species of Cryptanthus.
