Nakedstem livingvase (Aechmea nudicaulis, Fl. Brit. W. I.: 593 (1864))

Family: Bromeliaceae

Author: (L.) Griseb.

Bibliography: Fl. Brit. W. I.: 593 (1864)

Year: 1864

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aechmea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Nakedstem livingvase, known scientifically as Aechmea nudicaulis, is an intriguing and resilient plant belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. Documented extensively in ‘Flora of the British West Indies’ (1864) by botanist Grisebach, Aechmea nudicaulis stands out for its unique structural features and widespread adaptability.

Characterized by a distinctive, bare stem, Nakedstem livingvase thrives across a vast range, from Mexico through Tropical America. This tropical affinity means the plant is well-suited to warmer climates and can be found across diverse landscapes within its range. The plant features a rosette of stiff, arching leaves that culminate in a vibrant inflorescence, making it not only a botanical curiosity but also an aesthetically appealing specimen for gardens and natural settings.

The leaves of Aechmea nudicaulis are typically leathery and can exhibit a spectrum of green shades, often with marginal teeth, lending the plant a robust and striking look. At the heart of the rosette, the inflorescence rises elegantly, displaying a blend of bright colors that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, crucial for the plant’s reproductive cycle.

Ecologically, Nakedstem livingvase is a versatile member of its family. Its ability to grow both terrestrially and epiphytically enhances its role in various ecological niches, contributing to the biodiversity and health of tropical ecosystems. As an epiphyte, it can thrive on other plants, particularly trees, without being parasitic, thus fostering a symbiotic relationship within its habitat.

Gardening enthusiasts and botanists alike value Aechmea nudicaulis for its minimal maintenance needs and striking appearance. When cultivated, it prefers well-draining soil, moderate watering, and partial shade to mimic its natural tropical environment. Its resilience makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced growers looking to add a touch of the tropics to their plant collections.

Common Names

Spa: aechmea desnuda
Swe: citronvippa
Eng: nakedstem livingvase
En: Nakedstem livingvase
Fi: Keltahuisku
Es: Aechmea desnuda
Sv: Citronvippa

Synonyms

• Hoplophytum nudicaule ((L.) K.Koch)
• Hohenbergia nudicaulis ((L.) Baker)
• Billbergia nudicaulis ((L.) Lindl.)
• Pothuava nudicaulis ((L.) Regel)
• Bromelia nudicaulis (L.)

Distribution

• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Christian Mariotti Ferreira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Leal Jana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Aline Vieira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Eduardo Lopes (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.

Leaf

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Béa BÉA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Eduardo Guevara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Eduardo Lopes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Aline Vieira (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Fabian Mendes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2008 by Renato Lima (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Tricia Goldinger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Eduardo Lopes (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 21, 2008 by Renato Lima (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Marcondes de Oliveira Mikael (cc-by-sa)

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 – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Fabian Mendes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (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)

Bark

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)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2698486)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:121752-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aechmea nudicaulis (L.) Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth