Bromeliads

The pineapple family (Bromeliaceae), or bromeliads for short, comprises around 3,000 species and 50 genera. The German family name reveals that one of the best-known bromeliads is the genus Ananas. Other well-known genera include Tillandsia and Bromelia. They all belong to the lineage of monocotyledonous familyplants, as do palms, lilies and grasses.

The bromeliads collection at the Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna comprises around 1,000 species. The plants are used for various research projects, in particular to study the evolution of the family. Endangered species are also preserved in the garden to a limited extent

With their often colorful rosettes, bromeliads are known as ornamental funnel plants. In nature, the funnel not only serves to feed itself, but is also a habitat for many organisms. Special suction hairs at the base of the leaves absorb water and dissolved nutrients from the funnel.

The roots are mainly used for anchoring. In some tillandsias, the roots are only used for attachment. In these plants, the suction hairs are distributed over the entire leaf. Air is trapped between the suction hairs and the leaf surface, giving these plants a grey appearance. The leaf green only becomes visible when the leaves are moistened.

Many bromeliads flower only once, then they die. Reproduction takes place via seeds or vegetative propagation shoots (‘sprouts’).