Bartram’s airplant (Tillandsia juncea, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl., Suppl. 5: 309 (1817))

Family: Bromeliaceae

Author: (Ruiz & Pav.) Poir.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl., Suppl. 5: 309 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tillandsia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Bartram’s airplant, scientifically known as Tillandsia juncea, is an intriguing member of the Bromeliaceae family. This mesmerizing plant was first documented and classified by (Ruiz & Pav.) Poir., with its presence noted in J.B.A.M.de Lamarck’s Encyclopedia, Supplement 5: 309 in the year 1817.

Native to regions extending from Mexico to tropic America, Bartram’s airplant thrives in a variety of humid and tropical environments. It is an epiphytic species, meaning it grows on other plants and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris accumulating around it rather than from soil. This remarkable adaptability allows it to flourish in diverse ecological settings, often seen adorning tree branches or nestled among moss-covered substrates.

Tillandsia juncea is distinguished by its graceful, needle-like leaves that are typically a vibrant green, sometimes tinged with a silvery sheen caused by tiny scales called trichomes. These trichomes are crucial for the plant’s survival, as they help to capture and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. During the flowering period, Tillandsia juncea produces a striking inflorescence that adds to its ornamental appeal. The flowers are usually vivid, contrasting beautifully against the slender foliage.

Bartram’s airplant is not only appreciated for its aesthetic charm but also for its low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts and interior decorators. It thrives best when provided with good air circulation, regular misting, and indirect sunlight, embodying an ideal combination of resilience and elegance. Whether cultivated in homes, offices, or used in botanical displays, Tillandsia juncea continues to captivate and inspire a deep appreciation for the natural world’s wonder.

In summary, Bartram’s airplant stands as a testament to nature’s ingenuity, showcasing unique adaptations that enable its survival and growth across a wide geographical range, while also offering an easy-to-care-for botanical delight for enthusiasts everywhere.

Common Names

En: Bartram’s airplant
Fr: Petit ananas sauvage
Es: Tillandsia tipo zacate

Synonyms

• Acanthospora juncea ((Ruiz & Pav.) Spreng.)
• Tillandsia quadrangularis (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Tillandsia juncifolia (Regel)
• Platystachys juncea ((Ruiz & Pav.) Beer)
• Misandra juncea ((Ruiz & Pav.) F.Dietr.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by cristian gaviria londoño (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Axel Rubio Carrillo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 25, 2021 by Arriaza Macarena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Abigail Grunewald (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Isabella Regazzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Céline Marraud des Grottes (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 4, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by David Pignatelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/2695675)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:125275-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tillandsia juncea (Ruiz & Pav.) Poir.)

Specifications

Growth