Species

A medium-sized species with stiff, recurved gray-green leaves. It produces a colorful, long-lasting pink inflorescence with yellow-green flowers.

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.

Tillandsia acuminata is a bromeliad in the genus Tillandsia, native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is an epiphytic species with elongated, narrow leaves that taper to a fine point, and produces a spike inflorescence with small tubular flowers.

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

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.

One of the smallest known Tillandsia species, belonging to subgenus Diaphoranthema. Leaves are subsucculent, grey-blue, reaching a maximum of approximately 2 cm in length. Plants form small tufts of a few centimeters in diameter. Self-pollinating species that produces small brown flowers in spring. Native to dry, sunny habitats in the southern Andes.

Tillandsia albertiana is a small, clump-forming bromeliad native to northwestern Argentina. It produces narrow, silvery-green leaves covered in trichomes, arranged alternately along the stem. The species bears vivid red three-petaled flowers that emerge directly from the leaf axils without a visible peduncle.

Caulescent, branched, polycarpic species forming caespitose colonies. Plants reach 35 to 80 cm in height at flowering. Leaves are densely polystichous, narrowly triangular, long-attenuate, and densely covered with pale cinereous trichomes. The inflorescence is terminal with bright red scape bracts. Flowers are greenish-white with pale green sepals. Endemic to a limited number of canyons in northeastern Mexico within the Sierra Madre Oriental.

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

Tillandsia andreettae is a small epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the Andes of Ecuador. It forms a rosette of narrow, silvery leaves densely covered with trichomes, a morphology typical of xeric Tillandsia species adapted to periodic drought. The inflorescence is short, bearing pink to red bracts from which tubular violet to purple flowers emerge.

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.

An epiphytic species native to the Caribbean region, described by L.B. Smith in 1949. It has slender, tapering leaves and a branched inflorescence. The species is relatively uncommon in cultivation compared to other members of the genus.

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.

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.

Tillandsia arpocalyx is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery leaves densely covered with trichomes. The inflorescence produces tubular flowers characteristic of the genus Tillandsia.

A lithophytic species with a compact rosette of tapering leaves. It is native to high-altitude rocky regions.

A silver-leafed species that produces a beautiful rose-colored inflorescence and violet flowers. It is adapted to dry tropical forests.

A medium-sized pseudobulbous species described by Rose ex Small. The plant reaches 25 to 35 cm in height and forms a swollen, hollow base from which few long, flexible, silvery-grey leaves extend and recurve. The leaf surfaces are densely covered with trichomes. The inflorescence is simple, bearing pink floral bracts and tubular mauve to purple flowers approximately 3 cm in length. The species is myrmecophytic; in its natural habitat, the hollow pseudobulb frequently harbors ant colonies. It produces offsets freely from the base and readily forms clumps. The species grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome as an epiphyte, with preferred host trees including Quercus virginiana and Ebenopsis ebano.

A saxicolous species from the Amazonas region of Peru. It is caulescent (stem-forming) with densely lepidote, silver-gray leaves and produces violet flowers.

A widely distributed pseudobulbous species described by Schultes & Schultes f. in 1830, with the common name northern needleleaf. The plant forms clumps of 2 to 10 pseudobulbs, reaching up to approximately 60 cm in height when in bloom. The leaves are strongly recurved, covered with dense appressed lepidote trichomes, with an acuminate apex, reaching up to 40 cm in length. The inflated leaf bases form a bulging rosette approximately 14 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike up to approximately 18 cm long, with reddish-yellow bracts subtending purple flowers. The sepals are green and unfused, petals are purple, and the 6 stamens are exserted beyond the petals. The fruit is a capsule with tufted seeds for wind dispersal. The species grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome, primarily as an epiphyte on shrubs and trees in dry broadleaf evergreen formations.

Tillandsia baliophylla is an epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Mexico. It is a small to medium-sized xeric species forming a compact rosette of narrow, arching leaves densely covered in silvery trichomes. The trichome layer gives the foliage a silver-gray appearance and functions to reflect intense solar radiation and absorb atmospheric moisture. Inflorescences are simple or branched, bearing tubular flowers typical of the genus.

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.

An epiphytic species described by Rauh in 1974, placed in subgenus Tillandsia (= Platystachys). The rosette reaches approximately 40 cm in height with a moderately bulbous base about 10 cm in diameter. The leaf sheaths are roundish-oval, densely covered with dark brown appressed trichomes. The leaf blades are narrowly triangular, up to 30 cm long and 2 cm wide near the sheath, involute, with dense grey appressed trichomes beneath and sparse trichomes above. The scape is 5 to 15 cm long, shorter than the rosette, erect but curving downward at the apex. The inflorescence is pendulous, up to 40 cm long, bipinnate, with narrow spikes bearing bicolored floral bracts in orange-yellow and green. The flowers are yellow. The species grows primarily in the wet tropical biome of Ecuador.

Tillandsia bella is a small epiphytic bromeliad endemic to Bolivia. It forms a distichous rosette of triangular, silvery-trichome-covered leaves. The inflorescence is a simple or occasionally branched spike bearing pink to red bracts and violet tubular flowers. It is a xeric species adapted to dry inter-Andean environments.

Tillandsia belloensis is a small to medium-sized epiphytic bromeliad in the family Bromeliaceae, endemic to Guatemala. It forms a compact rosette of narrow, silvery-gray leaves densely covered in trichomes. The inflorescence bears pink to red bracts with violet to purple tubular flowers.

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 boliviana is a bromeliad species in the family Bromeliaceae, native to Bolivia and surrounding Andean regions. It forms rosettes of narrow, silvery-green leaves covered in trichomes, which aid in water and nutrient absorption. It produces a spike inflorescence with tubular flowers.

Native to Bolivia, this species is adapted to drier inter-Andean valleys. It features trichome-covered leaves to retain moisture.

A striking species from Peru, known for its large size and pink floral bracts. It grows on rock faces or trees.

A species native to Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, described as new to science in 2013. It is morphologically most similar to Tillandsia didisticha.

A large, impressive species from the mountains of Mexico. It features a large rosette of silver-gray leaves and a tall, branched inflorescence.

A Tillandsia native to dry woods and forests from Mexico to Venezuela. Forms a spreading rosette of long, attenuate leaves covered with finely appressed scales. Characterized by its color transformation—the entire plant changes from silvery-green to rosy pink, intensifying to cherry red during flowering. The species name means "short stem" in Greek, referring to its compact inflorescence. Often found growing alongside T. ionantha and T. xerographica in its native habitat.

A small lithophytic species from Argentina. It grows in clumps on rock walls and has gray, lepidote leaves.

Endemic to the high Andes of Colombia. This species resembles Tillandsia turneri but is smaller, growing in sub-paramo vegetation.

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

A rare lithophytic species from Bahia, Brazil, named after renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx who collected the type specimen. Forms clumps with stems up to 30 cm long that hang down with tips curving upward. Leaves are numerous, spirally arranged, very thick and succulent, nearly terete (cylindrical), only 2-4 cm long. Densely covered in gray trichomes. Produces simple inflorescences with 3-5 flowers having yellow-green bracts and white petals. Supremely adapted to harsh exposed rock cliff faces.

A saxicolous species from Guerrero, Mexico. It has thick, succulent, gray leaves that form a bulbous base and a striking red inflorescence.

Known for its sweetly fragrant, purple flowers. A small, caulescent species with silver-gray leaves, native to the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru.

Endemic to Peru. It is a saxicolous or epiphytic species with gray-lepidote leaves, producing a red floral spike.

Endemic to Mexico. An epiphytic species with a rosette of gray-green leaves and a pink inflorescence, found in dry forests.

Historically treated as a species but often considered a synonym or variety of Tillandsia fasciculata. It shares the characteristic stiff, gray leaves and colorful spikes.

A Caribbean species found in Cuba and Jamaica. It is a small epiphyte with gray-green leaves, sometimes confused with T. berteroniana.

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.

Endemic to Mexico. It forms a rosette of gray, lepidote leaves and produces a simple, flattened inflorescence with yellow flowers.

A highly variable and hardy species native to Mexico and the Caribbean, growing both epiphytically on trees and saxicolously on rocks and cliff faces. Forms a rosette of soft, velvety, silvery-green leaves that change to peach, pink, or red when approaching bloom. Extremely variable in size and coloration, with numerous cultivars including Peach, Red, Yellow, and Maroon forms. One of the most drought-tolerant Tillandsias. Produces purple tubular flowers from a compact head-like inflorescence.

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.

Native to Bolivia. It resembles T. vernicosa but differs in floral details. The leaves are stiff and gray, adapted to seasonally dry habitats.

Tillandsia carminea is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to Ecuador and Peru. It produces narrow, silver-scaled leaves and vivid carmine-red floral bracts with tubular violet flowers, making the inflorescence visually distinctive.

A relatively large species native to the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia, found growing epiphytically or lithophytically.

A rupicolous species from the dry forests of Guatemala, featuring a long inflorescence with purple flowers.

An epilithic species endemic to the Atlantic Forest domain in Espirito Santo, Brazil, often found on rocky outcrops.

Tillandsia caulescens is a caulescent (stem-forming) epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It develops an elongated stem bearing small, silver-scaled leaves arranged alternately, and produces a simple spike inflorescence with tubular flowers.

Tillandsia cauliflora is a small epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It is characterized by its caulescent growth habit and produces flowers along the stem. The leaves are narrow and covered with silver scales.

Tillandsia cauligera is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It is a caulescent species with elongated stems and narrow, silver-scaled leaves. The inflorescence is a simple spike bearing tubular flowers.

Tillandsia cees-goudae is a species of epiphytic bromeliad named in honor of Cees Gouda, a Dutch botanist. It is native to South America and belongs to the silver-leaved (xeric) group, with narrow, trichome-covered leaves.

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 cerrateana is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru. It belongs to the xeric group and is characterized by its dense trichome coverage giving the leaves a silvery appearance. The species was described from specific localities in Peru.

Tillandsia chaetophylla is an epiphytic bromeliad native to South America. It is characterized by very slender, thread-like (chaetophyllous) leaves densely covered with trichomes. It typically forms clumps on trees and shrubs.

Tillandsia chalcatzingensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Mexico, specifically described from the Chalcatzingo area of Morelos state. It is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and features silvery trichome-covered leaves.

Tillandsia champaraensis is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Peru, described from the Champará area. It has characteristics typical of Andean xeric tillandsias, with silvery leaves and adaptations to dry montane environments.

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.

A saxicolous species with very thick leaves covered with dense silver trichomes and extremely heavy, wire-like roots for anchoring to rocks. It resembles T. lorentziana but is distinguished by green floral bracts and larger white flowers. The floral bracts are erect, lance-like, acuminate, approximately 2.5 cm long and 6 mm wide, green with scattered white lepidote scales. Petals are white, approximately 4 cm long.

An epiphytic species endemic to Bolivia, described by E. Gross and Rauh. It forms large clumps with rooting stems 3 to 6 cm long spreading abundantly from the base. Single rosettes grow to 17 cm high with approximately 10 leaves forming an 8 cm high, 10 cm diameter rosette. The leaf sheath is indistinct, approximately 2 cm high and 1.5 cm wide, pale violet in color, glabrous on the upper surface and densely lepidote beneath. Flowers have bluish violet petals with white at the base.

A saxicolous, pulvinate species, often branched, with stout brown roots. Flowering height is 10 to 15 cm, with a caulescent stem longer than the rosette, up to 13 cm long. The rosette is up to 7 cm in diameter with 12 to 14 polystichous leaves, 3 to 7 cm long. Leaves are coriaceous to sub-succulent with an asymmetric keel, green-grey, covered with appressed cinereous scales. Named after Australian bromeliad enthusiast Len Colgan. Related to T. friesii and T. hegeri but distinguished by stem length, inflorescence structure, and violet petals.

A species endemic to Bolivia, belonging to subgenus Diaphoranthema. It was described in 1984, with the type specimen collected in 1979 from the mountains near Cotagaita in the Potosi Department. Grows epiphytically on Oreocereus neocelsianus cacti in association with T. caliginosa.

An epiphytic species endemic to Mexico, characterized by a clumping habit and larger leaf stems with white or grey lepidote trichomes. The species name refers to its chalky, cretaceous appearance.

A small epiphytic species, scarcely over 20 cm tall, described by Baker in 1888. The type specimen was collected from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.

A rare lithophytic bromeliad endemic to the southern Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forms rosettes with narrow leaves and produces compound inflorescences with orange-yellow flowers. Named after botanist Apparicio P. Duarte. Originally described as Cryptanthus duartei.

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).

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.

Distinctive caulescent (stem-forming) air plant with needle-like leaves resembling small pine branches. Produces spectacular scarlet-red tubular flowers. Forms long, draping clumps over time. Named after Belgian botanist Nicolas Funck.

A caulescent lithophytic species that grows on rocks. It features a distinct star-shaped rosette with stiff, trichome-covered leaves. It often forms large mats in its native habitat.

A popular small epiphytic species that forms compact rosettes. The leaves turn vivid red during the blooming cycle, producing purple tubular flowers. It clumps readily over time.

A high-altitude caulescent species. Despite its specific name "nana" (dwarf), it can form long stems. It requires cool temperatures and high humidity but constant airflow.

A miniature caulescent species endemic to Salta province in northwestern Argentina. Mature plants are only 3-4cm tall and 2-3cm wide with thick, succulent gray-green foliage covered in cinereous subappressed scales. The leaves are densely polystichous, narrowly triangular, and pungent. This slow-growing species produces pale blue to nearly white flowers. It grows on sedimentary rocks in its natural habitat.

A small epiphytic species from the highlands of Bolivia and Argentina. Forms compact rosettes with silvery-grey leaves covered in trichomes. Grows on perpendicular rocks and thorn shrub vegetation.

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.

A saxicolous bromeliad endemic to the campos rupestres (rocky grasslands) of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Originally described as Cryptanthus regius by Elton Leme in 2007. The specific epithet regius (Latin for "royal" or "regal") refers to its distinctive appearance. This species occurs on rocky outcrops in montane environments of the Espinhaço Range. Some taxonomic treatments place this species in the genus Hoplocryptanthus.

A large, impressive species forming rosettes of long, broad, attenuate leaves that are slightly recurving. The leaf surfaces are distinctive: the upper side is nerved and minutely appressed-lepidote, while the lower surface is nearly glabrous. Unlike the related T. xerographica, the leaves typically do not twist. The compound inflorescence features inflated spikes with brilliant coloration including cherry red, moss green, and buttercup yellow. The scape bracts, primary bracts, and some leaves develop a striking dark cherry color during flowering.

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 saxicolous species endemic to Bolivia, specifically around Samaipata. It has soft, gray-green leaves and produces a simple or few-branched inflorescence with white flowers.

A saxicolous or epiphytic species from Mexico. It forms a rosette of stiff, channeled leaves. The inflorescence usually exceeds the leaves.

A saxicolous species endemic to Mexico. It features curved, gray-lepidote leaves forming a rosette. The inflorescence typically has pinkish 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.

A saxicolous bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus schwackeanus by Mez. Endemic to the campos rupestres (rocky grasslands) of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Occurs on rocky outcrops in montane environments subject to rigorous climatic and edaphic conditions. Some taxonomic treatments place this species in the genus Hoplocryptanthus. Part of a species complex that includes several related taxa adapted to iron-rich and quartzite substrates.

A mesic, tank-forming species in subgenus Allardtia, described by L.B. Smith in 1961. The rosette produces soft, green leaves with a reddish flush, resembling a small Neoregelia in overall form. The inflorescence is notably elongated, reaching up to approximately 1.2 m in length, with red bracts and purple flowers. The fertile portion is reduced to approximately one-tenth of the total inflorescence length. Adventitious plantlets (offsets) develop at intervals along the inflorescence stalk, and the lower fertile branches curve backward to form hook-like structures. These hooks attach to branches in the host tree canopy, enabling the species to propagate vegetatively and spread through the crown — a strategy described as "climbing." This reproductive mechanism is distinctive within the genus Tillandsia.

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 small, pendant species approximately 4 to 8 cm in diameter with subsucculent green leaves covered with coarse grey scales. Produces rose-colored floral bracts and pink flowers. Saxicolous, growing on steep rock walls. Known from a very restricted range in southeastern Brazil. Described by Ehlers in 1993 in the Journal of the Bromeliad Society.

A saxicolous bromeliad originally described as Cryptanthus tiradentesensis by Elton Leme. The specific epithet refers to the Tiradentes region in Minas Gerais state where the species occurs. Found in the Serra do Rola-Moça State Park area. Endemic to the campos rupestres of Minas Gerais in the Espinhaço Range. Grows on rocky outcrops in the montane grasslands. Some taxonomic treatments place this species in the genus Hoplocryptanthus.

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.