What are bromeliads: Difference between revisions
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Based on the latest researches (2007-2011) further subfamilies will be added, splitting the subfamily Pitcairnioideae and increasing the number of subfamilies to eight. | Based on the latest researches (2007-2011) further subfamilies will be added, splitting the subfamily Pitcairnioideae and increasing the number of subfamilies to eight. | ||
== Utilization == | == Utilization == | ||
Only a few species of the Bromeliaceae are in service as a useful plant. Without question the biggest commercial relevance the pineapple draws on itself. Also the fruits of the ''Bromelia karatas'', common in the Caribbean, are edible and very tasty. The stems of ''Bromelia karatas'' and ''Bromelia laciniosa'' (called "Macambira" in Brasilia) after cooking and drying at the sun pro-vide a starch flour, and the hearts of some Puya species of the Andes are used as salad and are the favourite dish of the Andean bear (''Tremarctos ornatus''). | |||
In addition to the fruits ''Ananas'' species provide fibers which are converted to ropes and lashings as well as first-class textiles and paper. In the Philipines the traditional.men’s shirt "Barong Tagalog" are manufactured out of them. Some other Bromeliads are used similarly for the production of fibers, as for example ''Neoglaziovia variegata'' same as ''Deinacanthon urbanianum''. | |||
From plant parts of ''Ananas'' species is segregated the protein-dissociative enzyme ''Bromelain'', which is used for turning meat tender (many other species may be used for that, because Bromelaines are common in the family). The Louisiana moss (''Tillandsia usneoides'') serves as packing and stuffing material. | |||
Out of the approximately 3000 species which are today known at least 500 are culture worthy houseplants. Most frequently cultivated for sale are ''Aechmea fasciata'', ''Guzmania''- and ''Vriesea'' hybrids and the well-known ''Vriesea splendens''. | |||
== Sources == | |||