Species

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.

Rare species endemic to Jamaica. Features gray-green leaves and a simple or few-branched inflorescence.

Distinctive caulescent species with stiff, polystichous leaves. The long inflorescence features flowers pressed flat against the rachis.

An epiphytic species native to southern South America, characterized by reliable blooming and ease of cultivation. Forms dense cushions up to 30 cm tall with stiff, silver-green leaves arranged in a cone-like rosette. Produces inflorescences with rosy-pink bracts and blue-violet flowers that attract hummingbirds. One of the hardiest Tillandsias, tolerating temperatures near freezing. Similar in appearance to T. bergeri but distinguished by its flowering characteristics and offset production pattern.

Tillandsia afonsoana is a bromeliad in the genus Tillandsia, native to Brazil. It is an epiphytic species characterized by its silvery-gray trichome-covered leaves, which form a rosette. The leaves are narrow, stiff, and recurved, typical of xeric Tillandsia species adapted to drier conditions.

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.

Critically endangered species endemic to Alcatrazes Island. Large rosette with green leaves.

Aechmea alopecurus is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae. It produces a dense, elongated spike inflorescence resembling a foxtail, from which its epithet is derived (alopecurus meaning fox-tail in Greek). The rosette is composed of strap-like, serrated leaves that form a central water reservoir. Flowers are typically pink to red with yellow or white petals.

Aechmea amicorum is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae. It is a rosette-forming epiphytic or terrestrial plant with strap-shaped, often spiny-margined leaves that form a central water-holding tank. The inflorescence bears colorful bracts and small flowers typical of the genus Aechmea.

Aechmea ampla is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to South America. It produces broad, strap-shaped leaves with serrated margins that form a rosette capable of holding water in its central tank. The inflorescence is compound, bearing bracts and small flowers typical of the genus.

Tillandsia angulosa is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Central America and northern South America. It is a small to medium-sized species characterized by stiff, angular leaves densely covered with silvery trichomes, producing a gray-green coloration typical of xeric Tillandsia species. The leaves are arranged in a rosette with a notably angular cross-section, which is reflected in the species epithet 'angulosa' (Latin for 'angular'). It produces a simple or branched inflorescence bearing tubular flowers.

Aechmea anomala 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 small flowers. The leaves are typically green and may develop reddish tones under high light conditions.

Aechmea apocalyptica is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, green leaves with serrated margins and a prominent central tank that collects water. The inflorescence produces pink to red bracts with small violet or blue flowers. It is an epiphytic or terrestrial plant found in humid Atlantic Forest environments.

Aechmea aquilega is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to northern South America and the Caribbean. It forms a rosette of stiff, strap-shaped leaves with serrated margins and spines along the edges. The inflorescence is a compound spike bearing small flowers, typically followed by colorful berries that persist on the plant for an extended period. This species is often epiphytic in its natural habitat but can also grow terrestrially.

Aechmea araneosa is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, green leaves with serrated margins. The inflorescence bears small flowers typical of the genus, often with colorful bracts. It is an epiphytic or terrestrial species found in humid Atlantic Forest environments.

A caulescent species with stiff, succulent, recurved leaves growing along a sturdy stem. It often grows on rocks near the ocean, tolerating salty air.

A striking lithophyte with rigid, silvery-white leaves forming a large, symmetric rosette. Known for its beautiful white flowers.

Often confused with T. fuchsii, the true T. argentea has a branching inflorescence, clear leaf sheaths, and produces bright red flowers. Forms a small, grassy tuft.

A small lithophytic, clustering species growing to about 5 cm despite its name being derived from a geographical reference rather than the country Argentina. It is native to Bolivia, where grapefruit-sized clusters grow on rocky cliffs. The leaves are short, stiff, and rather succulent, covered with dark gray trichomes. The inflorescence is simple, broadly lanceolate, strongly flattened, up to 45 mm long and 15 mm wide, bearing 4 to 7 flowers. Petals are widely flaring, pink, approximately 13 mm across.

A distinct species with elongated stems and silvery-gray leaves, often found growing in dry, rocky environments.

Aechmea atrovittata is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, green leaves with dark cross-banding and serrated margins. The inflorescence bears small flowers on a branched spike, typically with colorful bracts. It is an epiphytic or terrestrial species found in tropical and subtropical forests.

Tillandsia aurea is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Ecuador and Peru. It is a medium-sized xeric species with narrow, recurved leaves densely covered in trichomes, giving the foliage a silvery-gray appearance. The leaves form a spreading rosette. The specific epithet 'aurea' derives from the Latin for 'golden,' referring to the yellow flower color.

Tillandsia australis is a lithophytic and epiphytic bromeliad native to southern South America. It produces narrow, linear leaves covered with dense silver-gray trichomes, forming a loose rosette. The leaves are stiff and grass-like in texture. The inflorescence is a simple or branched spike bearing tubular flowers that are violet to purple in color. This species tolerates cold temperatures, including light frost, and is adapted to exposed, high-light environments at varying altitudes.

Aechmea azurea is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Brazil. It is an epiphytic or terrestrial plant with a rosette of strap-shaped, spiny-margined leaves. The inflorescence bears blue flowers, which give the species its name derived from the Latin 'azureus' (sky-blue). The plant produces colorful bracts that persist after flowering.

Tillandsia baguagrandensis is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Peru. It is a small to medium-sized epiphytic tillandsia with silvery-gray leaves covered in trichomes, characteristic of xeric-type species. The leaves are narrow and arranged in a rosette form. It produces inflorescences with bracts and flowers typical of the genus.

A miniature species with stiff, gray, distichous leaves growing in a fan shape. It produces fragrant blue to violet flowers and forms spherical clumps.

Native to southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). A small, grey-leaved epiphyte often found growing in clumps. It has a simple inflorescence with pale blue to violet flowers.

Occurs in the state of Espirito Santo in Brazil, growing rupicolous between 300 and 500 m on sun-exposed granite surfaces of inselbergs or in spots slightly shaded by semideciduous forest. The epithet refers to the unusual stigma, whose long fringed lobes are densely covered with white trichomes.

Tillandsia barbeyana is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Cuba and the southern tip of Florida. It forms a medium-sized rosette of stiff, linear leaves densely covered in silvery trichomes, giving the foliage a gray appearance. The inflorescence bears tubular flowers with violet to purple petals. The dense trichome coverage classifies this species as a xeric type.

Native to the dry coastal regions of Ecuador. It forms a rosette of gray-green leaves and produces a striking inflorescence with pinkish bracts and dark petals.

A distinctive species from central Paraguay with dull, light grey leaves covered in trichomes. Related to T. lorentziana but distinguished by two-colored floral bracts (dark green at base, reddish toward apex) and white flowers. Endemic to the mountainous regions of Paraguay.

Tillandsia barrosoae is a bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, endemic to northeastern Mexico. It is a xeric species with narrow, recurved leaves densely covered in trichomes, giving the foliage a silvery-gray coloration. The leaves form a compact rosette, and the plant produces an inflorescence bearing tubular flowers.

Distributed from the southeastern USA to Mexico. A grassy species with thin, filiform leaves that grows in clumps. It prefers humid habitats like swamps and hammocks.

Tillandsia bergeri is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to Argentina. It produces narrow, silvery-green leaves arranged in a rosette and bears tubular blue to violet flowers. It is known for producing numerous offsets, forming dense clusters over time.

Tillandsia bergiana is a terrestrial or saxicolous bromeliad native to Argentina. It forms dense clumps of narrow, channeled leaves densely covered in silvery-gray trichomes, classifying it as a xeric species. The leaves are stiff and linear, reaching up to approximately 30 cm in length. It produces an erect, simple or occasionally branched spike bearing bright red bracts and violet to purple tubular flowers.

Aechmea blanchetiana is a bromeliad native to Brazil, forming large rosettes of strap-shaped leaves that range in color from orange to red depending on light exposure. The inflorescence bears a branched spike with small yellow flowers and persistent red bracts. It is one of the larger species in the genus, with rosettes reaching up to 1.5 meters in diameter.

Aechmea blumenavii is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to southern Brazil. It forms a rosette of strap-shaped, serrated leaves and produces an inflorescence with colorful bracts and small flowers. The leaves are typically green with spiny margins.

Native to the dry Chaco region of Paraguay. This xeric species has stiff, trichome-covered leaves adapted to arid environments.

Endemic to Puerto Rico. It grows in moist limestone forests and has soft, green leaves, indicating a preference for humid conditions.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species from Baja California, Mexico. It has stiff, gray leaves densely covered in trichomes, making it very hardy.

Native to Paraguay. It features a rosette of stiff, recurved, silver-gray leaves and produces a simple or digitate inflorescence.

A Tillandsia characterized by a bulbous pseudobulb base and long, twisted, tentacle-like leaves. Native to tropical regions from Mexico to Brazil, found in mangrove thickets, open woods, and along riverbanks. The swollen base often houses ant colonies in a mutualistic relationship—the ants provide nutrients while receiving shelter. Blooms with cherry-red bracts and violet tubular flowers. One of the few Tillandsias tolerant of higher humidity and lower airflow, making it suitable for terrariums.

Tillandsia cacticola is a silvery-leaved epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It typically grows on cacti and other xerophytic plants in arid environments. It produces a branched inflorescence with lavender to pale purple flowers and distinctive inflated bracts.

Native to Jamaica, restricted to limestone formations. It resembles T. utriculata but is smaller and grows lithophytically.

Tillandsia capillaris is a small, highly variable epiphytic bromeliad distributed across a wide range in South America. It has very slender, hair-like silvery leaves and produces small, tubular flowers. It commonly grows in large clusters on trees, cacti, and rocks.

One of the most widespread and commonly cultivated Tillandsia species, named for its resemblance to the serpentine hair of the mythological Medusa. Features thick, channeled leaves up to 25 cm long that twist and curl from an inflated pseudobulb base. The bulbous base often hosts ant colonies in the wild. Native from Mexico through Central America, distributed from sea level to 2,400 meters. Produces red inflorescences with violet tubular flowers. A silver-leaved species adapted to drought conditions.

A caulescent bromeliad species distinguished by its stem-forming growth habit. Originally described as Cryptanthus caulescens, it was transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on molecular and morphological analyses. The species is characterized by its distinctive stem development, which sets it apart from acaulescent relatives in the Cryptanthoid complex. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest region of eastern Brazil.

Tillandsia celata is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Brazil. It belongs to the green-leaved (mesic) group and typically grows in humid forest environments. The leaves are soft and green, arranged in a rosette.

Tillandsia cereicola is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. As the name suggests, it is commonly found growing on columnar cacti (Cereus and related genera). It has silver-scaled, narrow leaves typical of xeric species.

Tillandsia cernua is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico and Central America. It has narrow, recurved leaves covered with silver trichomes and produces a simple inflorescence with small tubular flowers. The species name 'cernua' refers to the nodding or drooping habit of the inflorescence.

Tillandsia cerosa is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It has narrow, silvery leaves forming a compact rosette. The inflorescence produces distichous (two-ranked) floral bracts with tubular flowers.

Tillandsia chacomasensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to the Chaco region of South America. It features silvery, narrow leaves adapted to the hot and seasonally dry climate of the Gran Chaco.

Tillandsia chapalillaensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico, described from the Chapalilla area of Nayarit state. It has narrow, trichome-covered leaves adapted to seasonally dry tropical forests.

Tillandsia chapeuensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Brazil. It belongs to the xeric silver-leaved group, characterized by a dense covering of trichomes (specialized scales) that give the leaves a silvery-gray appearance. It is associated with the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and related open, seasonally dry vegetation.

A saxicolous species described in 2023 by H. Hrom. and L. Hrom., endemic to Chiapas, Mexico. It grows on rock formations on the slope of a low forested mountain. The species name is derived from the town of Chicoasen in the municipality of the same name, north of the Rio Grijalva.

An epiphytic species with narrow, reddish-green leaves forming a rosette approximately 30 cm in diameter. The inflorescence reaches about 30 cm and displays crimson bracts. Flowers are small and white, blooming from March to May. The species grows in wet tropical forests at approximately 400 m elevation.

Native to Brazil, growing terrestrially or epiphytically at elevations from near sea level to about 1,200 m. The type material was collected in Sao Paulo state.

A species distributed in southeastern Brazil, growing as an epiphyte in rainforest from sea level to 800 m.

Occurs in Ecuador and Peru, growing epiphytically in dry open scrub and woodland at elevations of 200-900 m.

Native to northwestern Mexico, growing as an epiphyte in dry forests and thickets at elevations of 10 to 45 meters.

A large, variable, tank-forming species lacking discernible stems. Leaves are arranged in a rosette, leathery, grey-green with a waxy coating, 30 to 80 cm in length, forming basal cups that hold water and detritus. The inflorescence is a panicle of spikes shorter than the leaves, with bright red bracts and violet to white flowers. A highly variable species with multiple recognized varieties. In the southeastern United States (Florida), populations are threatened by the invasive Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona).

A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus fernseeoides. The specific epithet refers to its resemblance to species of the genus Fernseea. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on phylogenetic revisions of the Cryptanthoid complex. Forms rosettes of leaves and occurs in the humid Atlantic Forest understory. Endemic to eastern Brazil.

Ranges across the Greater Antilles, Mexico and Central America, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 25 to 1,000 m.

A medium-sized stemless species forming a dense, rounded rosette of numerous fine, thread-like leaves approximately 7 cm in length. The species name means "thread-leaved." Leaf sheaths are grape-violet to chestnut-colored with small, dispersed trichomes. The inflorescence is bipinnate with many slender spikes bearing small flowers with violet petals. Grows as an epiphyte in seasonally dry tropical forests.

Known as the Twisted Air Plant, it has thick, stiff leaves that spiral around the stem. It is unique for its viviparous reproduction, producing offsets on the inflorescence.

Native to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Parana in Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in forest from near sea level to about 1000 m.

Native to the state of Bahia in Brazil, growing on the steep faces of inselbergs at elevations of 400 to 1000 m.

This species is widely distributed from Mexico through the Greater Antilles to Bolivia, growing terrestrially or epiphytically at elevations from 5 to 2416m.

Ranges from Panama to northeastern Brazil, growing as an epiphyte in forest from sea level to 900 m. The type specimen was collected at Paramaribo in Suriname.

Native to Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, growing terrestrially or epiphytically in lowlands at elevations of 0 to 5 m.

A species distributed in the state of Aragua in Venezuela, growing terrestrially and epiphytically in cloud forest at elevations of 400 to 1,600 m. The specific epithet honours Tobias Lasser for his many contributions to the botany of Venezuela.

A terrestrial bromeliad characterized by its broad leaves, as indicated by the specific epithet latifolia (Latin for "broad-leaved"). Originally described as Cryptanthus latifolius and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. Forms rosettes in the shaded understory of the Atlantic Forest. The wider leaves distinguish this species from narrow-leaved congeners. Endemic to eastern Brazil.

A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus leuzingerae. The specific epithet honors a person named Leuzinger. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on molecular phylogenetic studies of the Cryptanthoid complex. Forms compact rosettes in the understory of the Atlantic Forest. Endemic to eastern Brazil and found in humid forest environments.

Native to the state of Sinaloa in Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in dry areas at about 50 m elevation. The type collection was made near the coast close to Mazatlan.

A delicate terrestrial bromeliad characterized by narrow leaves with scalloped margins and soft spines. Originally described as Cryptanthus microglazioui in 1998 and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. The specific epithet refers to its resemblance to Cryptanthus glazioui but in smaller form. Develops a branching stem reaching approximately 15 cm. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo state, Brazil.

Occurs from north-eastern French Guiana into the Voltzberg area of Suriname at around 120 m elevation. It grows as an epiphyte in primary forest and also saxicolously on granitic outcrops known as inselbergs.

Native to Valle and Cauca in Colombia and to Cocle in Panama, where it grows at 450 to 2000 m on banks, cliffs and in forest. It occurs terrestrially, saxicolously and as an epiphyte.

Native to Argentina, where it grows as an epiphyte at elevations of 180 to 1400 m.

Native to Guerrero and Jalisco in Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in tropical deciduous forest at 50 to 190 m, in arid or warm subhumid areas. The specific epithet refers to the Rio San Nicolas, the river near the type locality in Jalisco.

Tillandsia novakii is native to Veracruz, Mexico, growing as an epiphyte on small, sparse trees at around 65 meters elevation. The species is named after A. J. Novak of Austin, Texas, who first provided a specimen with collection data.

A terrestrial bromeliad notable for its highly fragrant flowers, as indicated by the specific epithet odoratissima (Latin superlative meaning "most fragrant"). Originally described as Cryptanthus odoratissimus and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. Members of the former Cryptanthus subgenus Hoplocryptanthus, to which this species shows affinity, are characterized by perfumed flowers. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil.

A widely distributed species ranging from Colombia through Bolivia to Chile. It grows from sea level up to 3,000 m on rocks and desert sand, and also on trees in dry areas.

Ranges from Colombia through Suriname to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 100 to 750 m. The type collection was made in Para, Brazil.

Native to the state of Paraíba in Brazil, growing on vertical granite rock in full sun at about 240 m. The epithet refers to Paraíba, the state where the species was collected.

Distributed from Florida, USA, through the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola, eastern Mexico, and Central America, to Colombia and Venezuela, this species grows epiphytically on low forest and scrub at elevations of 0-1500 m.

Native to the Mexican states of Yucatan and Oaxaca, growing as an epiphyte on pine trees, mainly Pinus oocarpa, at elevations of 300 to 400 m.

This species is native to Brazil, French Guiana, Colombia, and Peru, growing as an epiphyte in forests at elevations of 100-250m.

Tillandsia polystachia occurs from the West Indies and Mexico south to Brazil and Bolivia, growing as an epiphyte at elevations from sea level to 1800 meters.

This species has an extensive range from Florida in the United States, through Mexico and Cuba, to Ecuador and Brazil, growing as an epiphyte at elevations from sea level to 1400 m.

A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus pseudoglaziovii in 1991. The specific epithet indicates its resemblance to Cryptanthus glaziovii while being a distinct species. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on phylogenetic analyses. Forms rosettes in the humid understory of the Atlantic Forest. Endemic to Espírito Santo state in southeastern Brazil.

A terrestrial bromeliad characterized by an elongated flowering scape, though less prominent than in Rokautskyia scaposa. Originally described as Cryptanthus pseudoscaposus by L.B. Smith and transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017. The specific epithet means "false scapose," indicating a resemblance to scapose species while having distinct characteristics. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil.

Ranges from Mexico to Guatemala at elevations from sea level to 1200 m, growing on rocks in woodland and partly submerged along rivers.

Native to the state of Bahia in Brazil, this species grows terrestrially in sandy coastal plain vegetation at elevations of 5 to 10 m. The type specimen was collected near Nova Vicosa.

This species is widely distributed from the United States to Argentina, growing epiphytically and sometimes terrestrially in dry habitats at elevations from sea level to 3000 m. The type specimen was collected in Jamaica.

A species distributed in Bolivia and Argentina, growing as an epiphyte in woodland at elevations of 200 to 2,000 m.

Native to the state of Amazonas in Brazil, this species grows mainly epiphytically in submontane dense rainforest and Amazonian campina vegetation at elevations of 50 to 200 m. The type specimen was collected in the Ducke Forest Reserve near Manaus.

A species from Colima, Mexico, recorded at an elevation of around 400 m.

Known from the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia, growing at about 450 m on vertical rock walls. It was found in large groups on the southern side of a rock face in the Serrania de Santiago, an isolated range of Palaeozoic sedimentary rock rising above the surrounding lowland.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species endemic to Peru. It forms a rosette of grayish-green leaves covered in trichomes. The inflorescence is typically simple or digitately compound with rose-colored floral bracts.

A widely distributed, hardy species. It usually forms clumps of stiff, thin, gray leaves. Distinguished by its yellow flower petals and red floral bracts.

This species is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, growing as an epiphyte in Pinus and Quercus woodland at elevations of 270 to 2100 meters.

Widely distributed from Florida in the United States through the Greater Antilles, Mexico, northern South America and Brazil, growing as an epiphyte from sea level to 800 m. The type specimen came from Jamaica.

Ranges from Panama through Colombia, Suriname and French Guiana to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in forest at 70 to 550 m.

This species is distributed in Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, Brazil, growing as an epiphyte at elevations of 0 to 300 m.

A caulescent, xeric species from Peru and Ecuador. It has soft, silvery-gray leaves and produces fragrant white flowers with purple edges. Often grows in large clumps.

A widely distributed species in South America. The leaves are covered in trichomes and often recurve or curl. It produces fragrant blue or purple flowers.

Native to Mexico and Central America, this species features a prominent bulbous base and broad, trichome-covered leaves. The leaves curl tightly when dry, acting as a drought indicator. It is a robust grower that can reach over 30 cm in diameter.

A highly adaptable and popular air plant with narrow triangular leaves forming thick rosettes. Produces bright red or rose bloom spikes with blue-purple flowers. One of the most widely cultivated Tillandsia species.

Native to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, growing on steep rock faces at elevations of 50 to 500 m. The specific epithet honors the Brazilian botanist D. Sucre.

This species is distributed across Venezuela, French Guiana, Bolivia and Brazil, growing epiphytically, and rarely terrestrially or on rocks, at elevations of 100 to 700 m.

Occurs in the Antofagasta region of Chile, growing on rocks between 350 and 450 m. The epithet means afraid of goats, referring to the very inaccessible places in which the species grows.

Known as Spanish moss, with the widest distribution of any bromeliad, ranging from the southeastern United States to Argentina. Forms long, hanging festoons of slender, grayish-green stems up to 6 meters or more, draping from tree branches. Despite its common name, it is neither Spanish nor a moss, but a true flowering bromeliad. An epiphyte that absorbs all moisture and nutrients through its silvery trichome-covered leaves. Provides habitat for wildlife including birds, bats, and specialized spiders. Historically used for mattress stuffing, insulation, and crafts.

Widely distributed from Georgia and Florida (USA) through the West Indies, Mexico, and northern Central America to Venezuela, this species grows as an epiphyte across a broad range of environments, from temperate humid to warm humid, subhumid, and even arid areas, at elevations of 0-1350 m. It occurs in coastal scrub, dry and wet rainforest, montane cloud forest, holm-oak woodland, and wetlands.

Recorded from the Amazonas region of Peru, along the Río Cenepa at about 289 m elevation. The specific epithet honours Rodolfo Vasquez, a field collector and botanical artist.

Known from the states of Portuguesa and Lara in Venezuela, growing on bluffs and semiarid slopes at around 190 m elevation. The specific epithet derives from Venezuela, the country where it occurs.

A terrestrial bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus whitmanii by Elton Leme in 1994. The specific epithet honors a person named Whitman. Transferred to Rokautskyia in 2017 based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of the Cryptanthoid complex. Forms rosettes in the understory of the Atlantic Forest. Endemic to Espírito Santo state in southeastern Brazil.

Ranges from Amazonas in Colombia into Peru and Brazil, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 100 to 120 m.

A species distributed in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, growing as an epiphyte in forest at elevations of 100 to 450 m.

One of the largest Tillandsia species. Forms a sculptural rosette up to 90 cm in diameter with wide, silvery-green leaves that curl around themselves. Native to semi-arid regions of Central America, growing high in tree canopies. A slow-growing xerophyte adapted to drought, with thick leaves that store water. Wild populations were severely reduced due to over-collection in the 1980s-90s until CITES Appendix II protection in 1992. Produces branched inflorescences with red bracts and purple flowers lasting months.