Aechmea bracteata

Taxon # 40-59

Aechmea bracteata at 3 ft. tall is an interesting landscape specimen. It's bulbous shaped tank at maturity gives this bromeliad an almost sculpted vase look.  It's natural distribution is wide ranging: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela. There is also a var. form pacifica.

The leaves have large serrated margins. The flowers are small and have yellow petals. The ovaries tend towards greenish/white, turning purple with the mature fruit.

In the wild Aechmea bracteata is important in the environment, often providing a habitat for a variety of frogs, salamanders, snakes, and insects. Here in Port St. John, tree frogs move in during the moist months and larger ants readily move in during the dry season. 

Note: I had caught a locust enjoying the top of the spike on this inflorescence as it was developing which reduced it by at least a third. 

Cheers, Greg - PSJPlants - Brevard County, FL (Space Coast)

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