Quesnelia testudo

Taxon # 41-3

Quesnelia testudo - a specie plant that is a standard in Central Florida. This hardy bromeliad with its bulbous electric pink bloom is a bright cheer in the late winter. Quite sun and cold tolerant this plant holds its own against most abuses - even weed-whackers.  Grows well as a terrestrial and if planted around a tree will form a slowly climbing clump.

I'd always admired the vibrant, but short lived display of this plant growing in a local front yard. After driving by for several years I finally stopped and asked the homeowner about the plant. He said he didn't know what they were but if I wanted a few, "just dig some up. "Watch the thorns." Yes indeed the leaf ends were sharp. I did manage to get a nice clump of 5 plants without drawing blood. "Sure you don't want more? They're a pain to weed and mow around." This being apparent with weed-whacker scores on the outer tier of plants.

The following winter I drove by and noted almost the entire clump had been removed. He had planted marigolds in their stead. Glad I'd stopped by when I did.  I guess one persons weed is another's gold.

Quesnelia testudo is also parent to the Mulford Foster bi-generic xQuesmea 'Lymanii', a wonderfully hardy plant for this area.

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

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