Aechmea blanchetiana, also known as orangeade bromeliad, is a common bromeliad species found in the restingnas vegetation along the Atlantic Coast which is part of the Atlantic forest biome in eastern Brazil. This plant grows from the State of Bahia south to Espírito Santo.[1][2] It is common worldwide in tropical and sub-tropical regions for its use as an ornamental plant.

Aechmea blanchetiana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Aechmea
Subgenus: Aechmea subg. Aechmea
Species:
A. blanchetiana
Binomial name
Aechmea blanchetiana
Synonyms[1]
  • Tillandsia blanchetiana Baker
  • Streptocalyx laxiflorus Baker
  • Aechmea laxiflora (Baker) Mez 1892, illegitimate homonym, not Benth. 1844
  • Aechmea remotiflora Mez

Description

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Orangeade bromeliad usually consists of many thorny, long leaves, which increases its length as the plant matures, reaching up to 90cm (36 inches). It can grow up to 120cm (4 feet) in height including the stalk. Despite being known for its orange colour, the plant can also be green, crimson, and yellow.[3]

In its natural habitat, the plant, like other bromeliads, is most often pollinated by hummingbirds. However, it can also be pollinated by bees, bats, and other pollinators.[4] similar to how other bromeliads reproduce, this plant typically makes pups, although it can also breed in a normal way by making seeds.[5][6] The plant is most often seen being terrestrial, however it can be an epiphyte as well.

References

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  1. ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ^ Martinelli, G., Magalhães Vieira, C., Gonzalez, M., Leitman, P., Piratininga, A. Ferreira da Costa, A. & Campostrini Forzza, R. (2008). Bromeliaceae da Mata Atlântica Brasileira: lista de espécies, distribuição e conservação. Rodriguésia; Revista do Instituto de Biologia Vegetal, Jardim Botânico e Estaçao Biologica do Itatiaya 59: 209-258.
  3. ^ "FPS14/FP014: Aechmea blanchetiana Bromeliad". edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  4. ^ Kamke, Rafael; Schmid, Simone; Zillikens, Anne; Lopes, Benedito Cortês; Steiner, Josefina (2011-08-01). "The importance of bees as pollinators in the short corolla bromeliad Aechmea caudata in southern Brazil". Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants. 206 (8): 749–756. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2010.12.004. ISSN 0367-2530.
  5. ^ Ltd, GardensOnline Pty. "Aechmea blanchetiana | GardensOnline". www.gardensonline.com.au. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  6. ^ "Aechmea blanchetiana". www.llifle.com. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
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