Family: Bromeliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 286 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tillandsia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Caribbean to N. Argentina
Description
Southern needleleaf, known scientifically as Tillandsia tenuifolia, is a resilient and fascinating species belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum, this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.
In terms of its natural habitat, the Southern needleleaf thrives in a diverse range of environments, from the lush Caribbean islands to the varied climates of Northern Argentina. This extensive geographical distribution highlights its adaptability and resilience to different environmental conditions.
Tillandsia tenuifolia is particularly known for its slender, needle-like leaves, which give the plant its common name. These leaves are adept at capturing and retaining moisture from the air, an essential trait for survival in the epiphytic lifestyles that many Bromeliaceae members lead. This particular species does not rely on soil for nutrients, instead gleaning necessary sustenance from the air and rainfall, a characteristic that makes it a unique and low-maintenance addition to any plant collection.
Whether nestled into the crevices of tree bark or adorning hanging planters in a home, the Southern needleleaf promises an intriguing glimpse into the adaptability and beauty of nature. Its understated elegance and tenacity make it a noteworthy species within the diverse and vibrant Bromeliaceae family.
Common Names
Swe: barrtillandsia
Eng: narrowleaf airplant
En: Southern needleleaf, Narrowleaf airplant
Sv: Barrtillandsia
Synonyms
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
© 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 Dec 24, 2021 by Fred (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 11, 2008 by Renato Lima (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2008 by Renato Lima (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2008 by Renato Lima (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2695114)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:125713-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tillandsia tenuifolia L.)
