What are bromeliads: Difference between revisions
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== Ecology == | == Ecology == | ||
About half of the known Bromeliad species live epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, but without feeding on them. '''They are no parasites''', what they are often erroneously called and – alas - are treated likewise by locals. However Bromeliads can also be found living on rocks (litophytic) or on the ground (terrestrial). As their habitats dry out severely sometimes, some of them started building a funnel or a cistern with the use of the base of their leafs, to catch and keep water. The biggest species can this way store up several liters of water, which assists them to compensate rather long dry periods. At the same time these minuscule lakes represent a self-contained biotope and provide living space for several other creatures, often to the benefit of both. The funnels serve insect species as breeding place for their nymphs, tropical tree frogs live and spawn in them, and even several water plants grow there. Even crabs have been found in Bromeliad cisterns. In nutrient-poor regions a few Bromeliads actually have developed the ability to live as carnivores. | About half of the known Bromeliad species live epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, but without feeding on them. '''They are no parasites''', what they are often erroneously called and – alas - are treated likewise by locals. However Bromeliads can also be found living on rocks (litophytic) or on the ground (terrestrial). As their habitats dry out severely sometimes, some of them started building a funnel or a cistern with the use of the base of their leafs, to catch and keep water. The biggest species can this way store up several liters of water, which assists them to compensate rather long dry periods. At the same time these minuscule lakes represent a self-contained biotope and provide living space for several other creatures, often to the benefit of both. The funnels serve insect species as breeding place for their nymphs, tropical tree frogs live and spawn in them, and even several water plants grow there. Even crabs have been found in Bromeliad cisterns. In nutrient-poor regions a few Bromeliads actually have developed the ability to live as carnivores. | ||
The pollination of the flowers is carried out by animals, especially birds as well as butterflies or other insects. Only species of Navia are pollinated by wind. Some Bromeliads specialized on particular groups of pollinators. For example Werauhias are pollinated by bats, they blos-som in the night, when these animals are on the hunt. | |||
== Habitus and foliage == | |||
As varied as their dissimilar habitats is the appearance of these plants. Not only within the family, even in one genus size and shape can vary that much you never would believe they are relatives. The size ranges from a few millimeters to several meters. | |||
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Tillandsia bryoides | |||
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Alcantarea edmundoi | |||