An illustrated index of all 246 species in this genus, with scientific names, Japanese names and care difficulty.
About Aechmea
Aechmea is a genus in subfamily Bromelioideae of the bromeliad family, with about 250 species, the largest genus of the subfamily. It ranges from Mexico through Central and South America to the Caribbean, and most species are epiphytes. The strap-shaped leaves overlap into a water-holding tank rosette, the leaf margins are spiny, and the plants are known for their colorful, long-lasting bracts and inflorescences; the fruit is a berry. In horticulture Aechmea fasciata, the silver vase plant, is the best known, along with A. chantinii and A. recurvata.
Featured Species
Species with descriptions and care information, ordered by number of growth records
A compact bromeliad native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. This species grows as an epiphyte or on rocks in subtropical regions. It forms neat rosettes about 30-38cm wide with stiff, recurved leaves in glossy yellow-green. The leaf margins have small spine-like teeth. When blooming, the center turns vivid red while outer leaves become rose-colored, creating distinctive bicolor effects. The flowers feature bright orange-red bracts.
Aechmea abbreviata is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, spiny-margined leaves and produces an inflorescence with colorful bracts and small flowers typical of the genus Aechmea.
Aechmea aculeatosepala is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped leaves with spiny margins and produces an inflorescence with bracts and flowers typical of the genus Aechmea.
Aechmea aguadocensis is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to South America. It is an epiphytic or terrestrial plant forming a rosette of strap-shaped leaves with spiny margins. The inflorescence bears small flowers typical of the genus Aechmea.
Aechmea aiuruocensis is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped leaves with serrated margins, typical of the genus Aechmea. The species produces an inflorescence with brightly colored bracts and small flowers, characteristic of tank-forming bromeliads that collect water and organic matter in their central cup.
Aechmea alba is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, green leaves with spiny margins. The inflorescence is erect, bearing white to pale-colored flowers typical of the genus. Like other members of Aechmea, it is an epiphytic or terrestrial plant adapted to humid tropical environments.
