Family: Bromeliaceae
Author: Hook.
Bibliography: Exot. Fl.: t. 173 (1825)
Year: 1825
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tillandsia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. America
Description
The Bulbous airplant, scientifically known as Tillandsia bulbosa, is a fascinating member of the Bromeliaceae family commonly found across tropical regions of America. This curious epiphyte was first detailed in 1825 by the acclaimed botanist William Jackson Hooker. Distinguished by its unique bulb-like base and long, twisting leaves, the Bulbous airplant is a visual marvel that thrives in diverse tropical environments.
In its natural habitat, Tillandsia bulbosa can be seen clinging to tree branches, rock surfaces, and other plants, drawing nutrients and moisture directly from the air through its specialized leaves. Its organic structure provides a striking ornamental appeal, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Adapted to oscillating humidity and varying light conditions, the Bulbous airplant demonstrates incredible resilience and adaptability. During its bloom cycle, it produces vibrant flowers that contrast beautifully with its green or sometimes reddish leaves, adding a splash of color to its otherwise monochromatic surroundings.
Tillandsia bulbosa is also noteworthy for its minimal care requirements. It does not demand soil for growth, instead relying on misting or occasional soaking for hydration. These attributes make it uniquely easy to care for and suitable for growing in a variety of settings, from terrariums to mounted displays.
Utilized extensively in both botanical studies and horticultural design, the Bulbous airplant embodies the intriguing complexities of epiphytic plant life, continuing to captivate scientists and hobbyists with its distinctive form and adaptive capabilities.
Common Names
Eng: bulbous airplant
Spa: tillandsia base bulbosa
Swe: knöltillandsia
En: Bulbous airplant
Ko: 알뿌리틸란드시아
Es: Piñuela, Parásita, Epífita., Tillandsia base bulbosa
Sv: Knöltillandsia
Synonyms
- Platystachys bulbosa ((Hook.) Beer)
- Tillandsia bulbosa var. picta (Hook.)
- Tillandsia pumila (Lindl. & Paxton)
- Tillandsia erythraea (Lindl. & Paxton)
- Tillandsia bulbosa f. alba (Takiz.)
- Platystachys erythraea ((Lindl. & Paxton) Beer)
- Tillandsia bulbosa var. brasiliensis (Schult. & Schult.f.)
Distribution
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 17, 1987 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by De Pinto Berlin De Pinto (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2020 by jitka (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 24, 2018 by Garrett B (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 1, 1999 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2011 by EOL − RussianNaturalistBrazil (cc-by)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Rachael Kirby (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2019 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2020 by Ana Shamsi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Sraedi Boque (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2020 by Morales sarahi (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2011 by EOL − RussianNaturalistBrazil (cc-by)
Fruit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2695645)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:286128-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tillandsia bulbosa Hook.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb