Banded airplant (Tillandsia flexuosa, Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 56 (1788))

Family: Bromeliaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 56 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tillandsia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Florida, Caribbean, SE. Mexico to N. South America

Description

The Banded Airplant, scientifically known as Tillandsia flexuosa, is a remarkable member of the Bromeliaceae family. First described by botanist Swartz in the 1788 publication “Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 56,” this striking epiphyte has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique spiral-shaped leaves and its ability to thrive without soil.

Tillandsia flexuosa is native to a broad range encompassing Florida, the Caribbean, southeastern Mexico, and northern South America. This extensive habitat highlights its adaptability to various climatic conditions, from tropical rainforests to more arid environments.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Banded Airplant is its spiraling leaf arrangement which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also helps the plant maximize light absorption. The leaves are typically green with a notable banded pattern, giving rise to its common name. These bands are the result of specialized adaptations that allow the plant to efficiently capture water and nutrients from the air.

As an epiphyte, the Banded Airplant does not require soil to grow. Instead, it attaches itself to trees, rocks, and other structures, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air through its leaves. This unique adaptation enables it to thrive in environments where traditional soil-based plants might struggle.

Tillandsia flexuosa produces small, tubular flowers that emerge from the center of the plant. The blooming period can be sporadic and is often influenced by environmental conditions. These flowers, though not particularly large, are a testament to the plant’s resilience and adaptability.

In cultivation, the Banded Airplant has garnered popularity among indoor and outdoor gardeners. Its minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for those looking to add a touch of green to their living spaces without the need for extensive care. Simply providing adequate light, occasional misting, and ensuring proper air circulation can help this airplant thrive in a variety of settings.

In summary, Tillandsia flexuosa, or the Banded Airplant, is an exemplary species within the world of epiphytes. Its ability to adapt to diverse environments, coupled with its unique and attractive appearance, makes it a fascinating subject of study and a beloved addition to plant collections worldwide.

Common Names

Eng: banded airplant, twisted airplant
En: Banded airplant, Twisted airplant
Es: Piñuela. epífita, Parásita.

Synonyms

• Vriesea aloifolia ((Hook.) Beer)
• Tillandsia aloifolia (Hook.)
• Platystachys aloifolia ((Hook.) K.Koch)
• Tillandsia flexuosa f. alba (Takiz.)
• Anoplophytum flexuosum ((Sw.) Beer)
• Vriesea tenuifolia (Beer)
• Platystachys patens ((Willd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.) K.Koch)
• Tillandsia flexuosa var. fasciata (Lindl.)
• Tillandsia flexuosa var. vivipara (André)
• Tillandsia patens (Willd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.)

Distribution

• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Glynn Morris (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Glynn Morris (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Reinaldo aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 7, 2022 by cristian gaviria londoño (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Ivo Soka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by sebastian muñoz Ramirez (cc-by-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/2695344)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:125147-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tillandsia flexuosa Sw.)

Specifications

Growth