Information on Brazilian ornamental species of the genus Tillandsia L. (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract

Bromeliads that accumulate water in the central part of the plant represent a risk of creating Aedes aegypti larvae. This feature has contributed to a decrease of consumption in the internal market and poor returns to growers. Tillandsia species do not accumulate water on leaves, and could be an interesting alternative for bromeliad growers. At the São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, some native Tillandsia species are being studied for their ornamental value: T. dura, T. gardneri, T. geminiflora, T. stricta and T. tenuifolia. The information provided is based on literature and on some unpublished experimental results obtained in studies on biometry, cultivation, growing media and fertilization.