Difference between revisions of "Bromeliaceae"

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{{redirect|Bromeliad|the trilogy of children's books|The Nome Trilogy}}
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#redirect [[:Category:Bromeliaceae]]
{{taxobox
 
| name                = Bromeliaceae
 
| image              = Pineapple1.JPG
 
| image_caption      = [[Pineapple]], a bromeliad
 
| regnum              = [[Plantae]]
 
| unranked_divisio    = [[Angiosperms]]
 
| unranked_classis    = [[Monocots]]
 
| unranked_ordo      = [[Commelinids]]
 
| ordo                = [[Poales]]
 
| familia            = '''Bromeliaceae'''
 
| familia_authority  = [[Antoine Laurent de Jussieu|Juss.]]<ref name="apgiii">{{Citation |last=Angiosperm Phylogeny Group |year=2009 |title=An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG III |journal=Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society |volume=161 |issue=2 |pages=105–121 |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122630309/abstract |accessdate=2010-12-10 |doi=10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00996.x }}</ref>
 
| range_map          = WorldBromeliadDistribution.PNG
 
| subdivision_ranks  = Subfamilies
 
| subdivision        = *[[Bromelioideae]]
 
*[[Pitcairnioideae]]
 
*[[Tillandsioideae]]
 
|}}
 
The '''Bromeliaceae''' (the '''bromeliads''') are a [[Family (biology)|family]] of [[monocot]] [[flowering plant]]s of 51 genera and around 3475 known species<ref name="Christenhusz-Byng2016">{{cite journal |author1=Christenhusz, M. J. M. |author2=Byng, J. W.  |lastauthoramp=yes | year = 2016 | title = The number of known plants species in the world and its annual increase | journal = Phytotaxa | volume = 261 | pages = 201–217 | url = http://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/download/phytotaxa.261.3.1/20598 | doi = 10.11646/phytotaxa.261.3.1 | issue = 3 | publisher = Magnolia Press }}</ref> native mainly to the [[Tropics|tropical]] [[Americas]], with a few species found in the American [[subtropics]] and one in tropical [[west Africa]], ''[[Pitcairnia feliciana]]''.<ref name=Mabberley>{{cite book |first=D.J. |last=Mabberley |year=1997 |title=The Plant Book |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |location=[[Cambridge]]}}</ref>
 
 
 
They are among the basal families within the [[Poales]] and are unique because they are the only family within the order that has [[Septal nectary|septal nectaries]] and [[Ovary (plants)|inferior ovaries]].<ref name=Judd>Judd, Walter S. Plant systematics a phylogenetic approach. 3rd ed. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc., 2007.</ref> These [[Ovary (plants)|inferior ovaries]] characterize the [[Bromelioideae]], a subfamily of the Bromeliaceae.<ref name=Sajo>{{cite journal | last1 = Sajo | first1 = M. G. | year = 2004 | title = Floral anatomy of Bromeliaceae, with particular reference to the epigyny and septal nectaries in commelinid monocots | url = | journal = Plant Systematics and Evolution | volume = 247 | issue = | pages = 215–31 | doi=10.1007/s00606-002-0143-0}}</ref> The family includes both [[epiphyte]]s, such as [[Spanish moss]] (''[[Tillandsia usneoides]]''), and [[Terrestrial plant|terrestrial]] species, such as the [[pineapple]] (''[[Ananas comosus]]''). Many bromeliads are able to store water in a structure formed by their tightly-overlapping [[leaf]] bases. However, the family is diverse enough to include the tank bromeliads, grey-leaved [[epiphytic|epiphyte]] ''[[Tillandsia]]'' species that gather water only from leaf structures called [[trichome]]s, and a large number of desert-dwelling [[succulent]]s.
 
 
 
The largest bromeliad is ''[[Puya raimondii]]'', which reaches 3–4 m tall in vegetative growth with a flower spike 9–10 m tall, and the smallest is [[Spanish moss]].{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}
 
 
 
==Description==
 
[[Image:Bromeliad3.jpg|left|thumb|Bromeliad]]
 
Bromeliads are plants that are adapted to various climates. Foliage takes different shapes, from needle-thin to broad and flat, symmetrical to irregular, spiky to soft. The foliage, which usually grows in a [[Rosette (botany)|rosette]], is widely patterned and colored. Leaf colors range from maroon, through shades of green, to gold. Varieties may have leaves with red, yellow, white and cream variations. Others may be spotted with purple, red, or cream, while others have different colors on the tops and bottoms of the leaves.
 
 
 
The [[inflorescence]]s produced by bromeliads are also regarded as considerably more diverse than any other plant family. Some flower spikes may reach 10 meters tall, while others only measure 2–3&nbsp;mm across. Upright stalks may be branched or simple with spikes retaining their color from two weeks up to 12 months, depending on species. In some species, the flower remains unseen, growing deep in the base of the plants.
 
 
 
Root systems vary according to plant type. Terrestrial bromeliad species have complex root systems that gather water and nutrients, while [[Epiphyte|epiphytic]] bromeliads only grow hard, wiry roots to attach themselves to trees and rocks.
 
 
 
[[Image:Bromeliad epiphyte on Cycad.jpg|thumb|An epiphytic bromeliad]]
 
[[File:Bromeliad-pink-leaved.jpg|thumb|right|Bromeliad at US Botanic Garden]]
 
 
 
Some bromeliads are faintly scented, while others are heavily perfumed. Blooms from the species ''[[Tillandsia cyanea]]'' have a fragrance resembling that of clove spice.
 
 
 
One study found 175,000 bromeliads per hectare (2.5 acres) in one forest; that many bromeliads can sequester 50,000 liters (more than 13,000 gallons) of water.<ref name="nyt">"[http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/pineapple-dreams/index.html?8ty&emc=ty Pineapple Dreams]", The Wild Side, Olivia Judson, ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 18, 2008</ref>
 
 
 
A wide variety of organisms takes advantage of the pools of water trapped by bromeliads. A study of 209 plants from the [[Ecuador]]ian [[lowland]]s identified 11,219 animals, representing more than 300 distinct species, many of which are found only on bromeliads. Examples include some species of [[ostracod]]s, small [[salamander]]s about {{convert|2.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, and [[tree frog]]s. [[Jamaica]]n bromeliads are home to ''[[Metopaulias]] depressus'', a reddish-brown [[crab]] {{convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} across, which has evolved social behavior to protect its young from predation by ''[[Diceratobasis macrogaster]]'', a species of [[damselfly]] whose [[larva]]e live in bromeliads. Some bromeliads even form homes for other species of bromeliads.<ref name="nyt"/>
 
 
 
==Distribution==
 
[[File:Tillandsia sp. telephone line (codiferous).jpg|thumb|right|Bromeliads growing on telephone lines in [[Bolivia]]]]
 
Plants in the Bromeliaceae are widely represented in their natural climates across the Americas. One species can be found in Africa.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Porembski|first=Stefan|last2=Barthlott|first2=Wilhelm|date=1999|title=PITCAIRNIA FELICIANA: THE ONLY INDIGENOUS AFRICAN BROMELIAD|jstor=41761298|journal=Harvard Papers in Botany|volume=4|issue=1|pages=175–184}}</ref> They can be found at altitudes from sea level to 4200 meters, from [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|rainforests]] to [[desert]]s. 1814 species are [[epiphyte]]s, some are [[lithophyte]]s, and some are terrestrial. Accordingly, these plants can be found in the [[Andean]] highlands, from northern Chile to Colombia, in the [[Sechura Desert]] of coastal Peru, in the [[cloud forest]]s of Central and South America, in southern United States from southern [[Virginia]] to [[Florida]] to [[Texas]], and in far southern [[Arizona]].
 
 
 
== Ecology ==
 
Bromeliads often serve as [[phytotelma]]ta, accumulating water between their leaves.  The aquatic habitat created as a result is host to a diverse array of [[invertebrate]]s, especially aquatic insect larvae.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Frank|first=J. H.|last2=Lounibos|first2=L. P.|date=2009-02-01|title=Insects and allies associated with bromeliads: a review|url=http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/187498308x414742|journal=Terrestrial Arthropod Reviews|volume=1|issue=2|pages=125–153|doi=10.1163/187498308X414742|issn=1874-9836|pmc=2832612|pmid=20209047}}</ref> These bromeliad [[invertebrate]]s benefit their hosts by increasing [[nitrogen]] uptake into the plant.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ngai|first=Jacqueline T.|last2=Srivastava|first2=Diane S.|date=2006-11-10|title=Predators Accelerate Nutrient Cycling in a Bromeliad Ecosystem|url=http://science.sciencemag.org/content/314/5801/963|journal=Science|language=en|volume=314|issue=5801|pages=963–963|doi=10.1126/science.1132598|issn=0036-8075|pmid=17095695}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Leroy|first=Céline|last2=Corbara|first2=Bruno|last3=Dejean|first3=Alain|last4=Céréghino|first4=Régis|date=2009-09-01|title=Ants mediate foliar structure and nitrogen acquisition in a tank-bromeliad|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02891.x/abstract|journal=New Phytologist|language=en|volume=183|issue=4|pages=1124–1133|doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02891.x|issn=1469-8137|pmid=19500265}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Romero|first=Gustavo Q.|last2=Srivastava|first2=Diane S.|date=2010-09-01|title=Food-web composition affects cross-ecosystem interactions and subsidies|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2010.01716.x/abstract|journal=Journal of Animal Ecology|language=en|volume=79|issue=5|pages=1122–1131|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2656.2010.01716.x|issn=1365-2656}}</ref>
 
 
 
==Evolution==
 
Bromeliads are among the more recent plant groups to have emerged. The greatest number of primitive species resides in the [[Andes|Andean]] highlands of South America, where they originated in the [[tepui]]s of the [[Guiana Shield|Guyana Shield]].<ref name= Givnish>{{cite journal | last1 = Givnish | first1 = Thomas J. | last2 = Millam | first2 = Kendra C. | last3 = Evans | first3 = Timothy M. | last4 = Hall | first4 = Jocelyn C. | last5 = Pires | first5 = J. C. | last6 = Berry | first6 = Paul E. | last7 = Sytsma | first7 = Kenneth J. | year = 2004 | title = Ancient vicariance or recent long-distance dispersal? Inferences about phylogeny and South American-African disjunctions in Raptaceae and Bromeliaceae based on ndhf sequence data | url = | journal = International Journal of Plant Science | volume = 165 | issue = 4| pages = 35–54 }}</ref> The most basal genus, ''[[Brocchinia]]'', is endemic to these tepuis, and is placed as the [[Cladistics|sister group]] to the remaining [[Genus|genera]] in the family.<ref name= Barfuss>{{cite journal | last1 = Barfuss | first1 = Michael H. | last2 = Samuel | first2 = Rosabelle | last3 = Till | first3 = Walter | last4 = Stuessy | first4 = Todd F. | year = 2005 | title = Phylogenetic relationships in subfamily Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae) based on DNA sequence data from seven plastid regions | url = | journal = American Journal of Botany | volume = 92 | issue = 2| pages = 337–51 | doi=10.3732/ajb.92.2.337}}</ref> The [[west Africa]]n species ''[[Pitcairnia feliciana]]'' is the only bromeliad not [[Endemism|endemic]] to the Americas, and is thought to have reached Africa via long-distance dispersal about 12 million years ago.<ref name=Givnish />
 
 
 
===Adaptations===
 
Bromeliads are able to live in a vast array of environmental conditions due to their many adaptations. [[Trichomes]], in the form of scales or hairs, allow bromeliads to capture water in cloud forests and help to reflect sunlight in desert environments.<ref name= Schulte>{{cite journal | last1 = Schulte | first1 = Katharina | last2 = Barfuss | first2 = Michael H. | last3 = Zizka | first3 = Georg | year = 2009 | title = Phylogeny of Bromelioideae (Bromeliaceae) inferred from nuclear plastid DNA loci reveals the evolution of the tank habit within the subfamily | url = | journal = Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | volume = 51 | issue = | pages = 327–39 | doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2009.02.003}}</ref> Some bromeliads have also developed an adaptation known as the tank habit, which involves them forming a tightly bound structure with their leaves that helps to capture water and nutrients in the absence of a well-developed root system.<ref name="Schulte"/> Bromeliads also use [[crassulacean acid metabolism]] (CAM) [[photosynthesis]] to create sugars. This adaptation allows bromeliads in hot or dry climates to open their [[Stoma (botany)|stomates]] at night rather than during the day, which reduces water loss.<ref name= Rex>{{cite journal | last1 = Rex | first1 = Martina | last2 = Patzolt | first2 = Kerstin | last3 = Schulte | first3 = Katharina | last4 = Zizka | first4 = Georg | last5 = Vasquuez | first5 = Roberto | last6 = Ibisch | first6 = Pierre L. | last7 = Weising | first7 = Kurt | year = 2007 | title = AFLP analysis of genetic relationships in the genus Fosterella L.B. Smith (Pitcairnioideae, Bromeliaceae) | url = | journal = Genome | volume = 50 | issue = | pages = 90–105 }}</ref>
 
 
 
==Classification==
 
The family Bromeliaceae is currently placed in the order [[Poales]].
 
 
 
===Subfamilies===
 
The family Bromeliaceae is organized into eight subfamilies:<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|url = |title = Phylogeny, adaptive radiation, and historical biogeography of Bromeliaceae inferred from ndhF sequence data|last = Givnish|first = Thomas|date = 2007|journal = Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany|doi = |pmid = }}</ref>
 
 
 
*Brocchinioideae
 
*Lindmanioideae
 
*[[Tillandsioideae]]
 
*Hechtioideae
 
*Navioideae
 
*[[Pitcairnioideae]]
 
*Puyoideae
 
*[[Bromelioideae]]
 
Bromeliaceae were originally split into three subfamilies: Bromelioideae, Tillandsioideae, and Pitcairnioideae based on morphological characters.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = Flora neotropica: monograph. 14.(Bromeliaceae)|vauthors=Smith LB, Downs RJ |date = 1974|journal = New York Botanical Garden|doi = |pmid = }}</ref> However, molecular evidence has revealed that while Bromelioideae and Tillandsioideae are monophyletic, Pitcairnioideae is, in fact, paraphyletic<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = Examination of subfamilial phylogeny in Bromeliaceae using comparative sequencing of the plastid locus ndhF|last = Terry|first = Randall|date = 1997|journal = American Journal of Botany|doi = |pmid = }}</ref> and should be split into six subfamilies: Brocchinioideae, Lindamanioideae, Hechtioideae, Navioideae, Pitcairnioideae, and Puyoideae.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = Genetics, evolution and conservation of Bromeliaceae|last = Zanella|first = Camila|date = 2012|journal = Genetics and Molecular Biology|doi = |pmid = }}</ref>
 
 
 
Brocchinioideae is defined as the most basal branch of Bromeliaceae based on both morphological and molecular evidence, namely genes in chloroplast DNA.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = Molecular phylogenetics of Bromeliaceae: evidence from trnL (UAA) intron sequences of the chloroplast genome|last = Horres|first = Ralf|date = 2000|journal = Plant Biology|doi = |pmid = }}</ref>
 
 
 
Lindmanioideae is the next most basal branch distinguished from the other subfamilies by convolute sepals and chloroplast DNA.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|url = |title = Phylogeny, adaptive radiation, and historical biogeography in Bromeliaceae: insights from an eight-locus plastid phylogeny|last = Givnish|first = Thomas|date = 2011|journal = American Journal of Botany|doi = |pmid = }}</ref>
 
 
 
Hechtioideae is also defined based on analyses of chloroplast DNA; similar morphological adaptations to arid environments also found in other groups are attributed to convergent evolution.<ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
Navioideae is split from Pitcairnioideae based on its cochlear sepals and chloroplast DNA.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = Multiple origins of crassulacean acid metabolism and the epiphytic habit in the Neotropical family Bromeliaceae|last = Crayn|first = Darren|date = 2004|journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|doi = |pmid = }}</ref>
 
 
 
Puyoideae has been re-classified multiple times and its monophyly remains controversial according to analyses of chloroplast DNA.<ref name=":1" />
 
 
 
===Genera===
 
{|
 
|- valign=top
 
|
 
*''[[Acanthostachys]]'' <small>[[Johann Friedrich Klotzsch|Klotzsch]] </small>
 
*''[[Aechmea]]'' <small>[[Hipólito Ruiz López|Ruiz]] & [[Pav.]]</small>
 
*''[[Alcantarea]]'' <small>[[E.Morren ex Mez|Harms]]</small>
 
*''[[Ananas]]'' <small>[[Mill.]]</small> — Includes the [[pineapple]].
 
*''[[Androlepis]]'' <small>[[Brongn.]] ex [[Houllet]] </small>
 
*''[[Araeococcus]]'' <small>[[Brongn.]]</small>
 
*''[[Barfussia]]'' <small>[[Manzan. & W. Till]]</small>
 
*''[[Billbergia]]'' <small>[[Thunb.]]</small>
 
*''[[Brewcaria]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]], [[Steyerm.]] & [[H.Rob]]</small>
 
*''[[Brocchinia]]'' <small>[[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
*''[[Bromelia]]'' <small>[[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]</small>
 
*''[[Canistropsis]]''
 
*''[[Canistrum]]'' <small>[[Charles Jacques Édouard Morren|E.Morren]]</small>
 
*''[[Catopsis]]'' <small>[[August Grisebach|Griseb.]]</small>
 
*''[[Cipuropsis]]'' <small>[[Ule]]</small>
 
*''[[Connellia]]'' <small>[[N.E.Br.]]</small>
 
*''[[Cottendorfia]]'' <small>[[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
|
 
*''[[Cryptanthus]]'' <small>[[Christoph Friedrich Otto|Otto]] & [[A.Dietr.]]</small>
 
*''[[Deinacanthon]]''
 
*''[[Deuterocohnia]]'' <small>[[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]</small>
 
*''[[Disteganthus]]'' <small>[[Lem.]]</small>
 
*''[[Dyckia]]'' <small>[[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
*''[[Edmundoa]]''
 
*''[[Eduandrea]]''
 
*''[[Encholirium]]'' <small>[[Mart.]] ex [[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
*''[[Fascicularia]]'' <small>[[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]</small>
 
*''[[Fernseea]]'' <small>[[John Gilbert Baker|Baker]]</small>
 
*''[[Fosterella]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]]</small>
 
*''[[Glomeropitcairnia]]'' <small>[[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]</small>
 
*''[[Goudaea]]'' <small>[[W. Till & Barfuss]]</small>
 
*''[[Greigia]]'' <small>[[Eduard August von Regel|Regel]]</small>
 
*''[[Gregbrownia]]'' <small>[[W. Till & Barfuss]]</small>
 
*''[[Guzmania]]'' <small>[[Hipólito Ruiz López|Ruiz]] & [[Pav.]]</small>
 
*''[[Hechtia]]'' <small>[[Johann Friedrich Klotzsch|Klotzsch]]</small>
 
|
 
*''[[Hohenbergia]]'' <small>[[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
*''[[Hohenbergiopsis]]'' <small> [[L.B.Sm.]] & [[Read (botanical)|Read]] </small>
 
*''[[Jagrantia]]'' <small>[[Barfuss & W. Till]]</small>
 
*''[[Josemania]]'' <small>[[W. Till & Barfuss]]</small>
 
*''[[Lemeltonia]]'' <small>[[Barfuss & W. Till]]</small>
 
*''[[Lindmania]]'' <small>[[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]</small>
 
*''[[Lutheria]]'' <small>[[Barfuss & W. Till]]</small>
 
*''[[Lymania]]'' <small>[[Read (botanical)|Read]]</small>
 
*''[[Mezobromelia]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]]</small>
 
*''[[Navia (bromeliad)|Navia]]'' <small>[[Schult.f.]]</small>
 
*''[[Neoglaziovia]]'' <small>[[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]</small>
 
*''[[Neoregelia]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]] </small>
 
*''[[Nidularium]]'' <small>[[Lem.]]</small>
 
*''[[Ochagavia]]'' <small>[[Phil.]]</small>
 
*''[[Orthophytum]]''
 
*''[[Pepinia]]''
 
*''[[Pitcairnia]]'' <small>[[L'Her.]]</small>
 
*''[[Portea]]'' <small>[[K. Koch]]</small>
 
*''[[Pseudaechmea]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]] & [[Read (botanical)|Read]]</small>
 
|
 
*''[[Pseudalcantarea]]'' <small>([[Carl Christian Mez|Mez]]) Pinzón & Barfuss</small>
 
*''[[Pseudananas]]'' <small>[[Hassl.]] ex [[Hermann August Theodor Harms|Harms]]</small>
 
*''[[Puya (plant)|Puya]]'' <small>[[Juan Ignacio Molina|Molina]]</small>
 
*''[[Quesnelia]]'' <small>[[Gaudich.]]</small>
 
*''[[Racinaea]]''
 
*''[[Ronnbergia]]'' <small>[[Charles Jacques Édouard Morren|E.Morren]] & [[Édouard André|André]]</small>
 
*''[[Sequencia]]''
 
*''[[Steyerbromelia]]'' <small>[[L.B.Sm.]]</small>
 
*''[[Stigmadoton]]'' <small>[[Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss]]</small>
 
*''[[Tillandsia]]'' <small>[[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]</small>
 
*''[[Ursulaea]]''
 
*''[[Vriesea]]'' <small>[[Lindl.]]</small>
 
*''[[Wallisia]]'' <small>[[Regel|E. Morren]]</small>
 
*''[[Werauhia]]'' <small>[[J.R.Grant]]</small>
 
*''[[Wittrockia]]'' <small>[[Lindm.]]</small>
 
*''[[Zizkaea]]'' <small>[[W. Till & Barfuss]]</small>
 
|}
 
 
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
File:Billbergia pyramidalis in Hyderabad Nursery W IMG 0428.jpg|''[[Billbergia pyramidalis]]''
 
File:Billbergia pyramidalis in Hyderabad Nursery W IMG 0425.jpg|''Billbergia pyramidalis''
 
Image:Tillandsia usneoides04.jpg|''[[Tillandsia usneoides]]'' hanging from branches
 
Image:Bromeliad spike.jpg|The flower of a ''Billbergia'' sp.
 
Image:Puya berteroana.jpg|''Puya alpestris''
 
Image:Bromeliad-pink-flower-closeup.jpg|Flower close-up
 
Image:Bromeliad05.jpg|A bromeliad
 
Image:tillandsia tower arp.jpg|''Tillandsia'' airplants mounted on the bark of a cork oak
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
==Cultivation and uses==
 
Humans have been using bromeliads for thousands of years. The [[Incas]], [[Aztecs]], [[Maya civilization|Maya]] and others used them for food, protection, fiber and ceremony, just as they are still used today. European interest began when Spanish conquistadors returned with [[pineapple]], which became so popular as an exotic food that the image of the pineapple was adapted into European art and sculpture. In 1776, the species ''[[Guzmania lingulata]]'' was introduced to Europe, causing a sensation among gardeners unfamiliar with such a plant. In 1828, ''[[Aechmea fasciata]]'' was brought to Europe, followed by ''[[Vriesea splendens]]'' in 1840. These transplants were so successful, they are still among the most widely grown bromeliad varieties.
 
 
 
In the 19th century, breeders in Belgium, France and the Netherlands started [[Hybrid (biology)#Hybrid plants|hybridizing]] plants for wholesale trade. Many exotic varieties were produced until World War I, which halted breeding programs and led to the loss of some species. The plants experienced a resurgence of popularity after World War II. Since then, [[Netherlands|Dutch]], [[Belgium|Belgian]] and North American nurseries have greatly expanded bromeliad production.
 
 
 
Only one bromeliad, the [[pineapple]] (''Ananas comosus''), is a commercially important food crop. [[Bromelain]], a common ingredient in meat tenderizer, is extracted from pineapple stems. Many other bromeliads are popular [[ornamental plant]]s, grown as both garden and [[houseplant]]s.
 
 
 
===Collectors===
 
[[Édouard André]] was a French collector/explorer whose many discoveries of bromeliads in the Cordilleras of South America would be influential on horticulturists to follow. He served as a source of inspiration to 20th-century collectors, in particular [[Mulford B. Foster]] and [[Lyman Smith]] of the United States and [[Werner Rauh]] of Germany and Michelle Sullivan of Australia.<ref>André, Édouard François. "Bromeliaceae Andreanae. Description et histoire des Bromeliacees recoltees dans La Colombie, L'Ecuador et Le Venezuela". Paris: Librairie Agricole; G. Masson, 1889</ref>
 
 
 
==See also==
 
*[[List of foliage plant diseases (Bromeliaceae)]]
 
 
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
 
 
==External links==
 
{{commons category|Bromeliaceae}}
 
{{Wikispecies|Bromeliaceae}}
 
* [http://www.bromeliads.info/ Bromeliad care information]
 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040605061149/http://fcbs.org:80/butcher/Puya_raimondii.htm ''Puya raimondii'' photos]
 
* [http://www.worldbotanicalgardens.com The World Botanical Gardens]
 
* [http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/PIC_FAMILIES_SIMPLE_Bromeliaceae.php Bromeliads of Chile] in Chileflora
 
* [http://botu07.bio.uu.nl/tropical/?gal=brom The Brom-L Bromeliad Gallery] The Photo Gallery of the (Virtual) World Wide Web Bromeliad Society
 
* [http://botu07.bio.uu.nl/bcg/taxonList.php?bgcolor=E5E5E5 The New Bromeliad Taxon List] A constantly updated list of current Bromeliad names and synonyms.
 
* [http://palm-trees.org Palm trees, small palms, Cycads, Bromeliads and tropical plants] Photos of Bromeliads and associated flora, with information on habitat and cultivation.
 
* Luther, H. E. (2008) [http://selby.org/wp-content/uploads/Bromeliad_Binomial_List_For_Web.pdf An Alphabetical List of Bromeliad Binomials, Eleventh Edition] [http://www.selby.org The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens], [[Sarasota, Florida]]. Published by [http://www.bsi.org/ The Bromeliad Society International].
 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050217231223/http://delta-intkey.com:80/angio/www/bromelia.htm Bromeliaceae] in [https://web.archive.org/web/20101213041459/http://delta-intkey.com/angio/ L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval.] Published by [https://web.archive.org/web/20070103200438/http://delta-intkey.com:80/ Delta-intkey] (2002-06-18)
 
 
 
{{taxonbar}}
 
 
 
[[Category:Bromeliaceae| ]]
 
[[Category:Bromeliaceae cultivar| ]]
 
[[Category:Poales families]]
 

Latest revision as of 18:59, 8 September 2017