| Vriesea | |
|---|---|
| |
| Vriesea duvaliana | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Subfamily: | Tillandsioideae |
| Genus: | Vriesea Lindl. |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Vriesea is a genus of flowering plants in the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. The genus name is for Willem Hendrik de Vriese, Dutch botanist, physician (1806–1862).[2] Its species are widespread over Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies.[1]
Containing some of the largest bromeliad species, these tropical plants harbor a wide variety of insect fauna. In the wild, frogs may go through their whole life cycle in a bromeliad. This genus is closely related to Guzmania. Both Guzmania and Vriesea have dry capsules that split open to release parachute like seeds similar to the Dandelion (Taraxacum sp.). Most Vriesea are epiphytes and grow on trees. Their roots function mainly as holdfasts with a more minor role in nutrient uptake. Nutrients are predominantly absorbed from the reservoirs made by the rosette of leaves.
- ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ "Bromeliad Society International - Genera Etymology". Archived from the original on 2007-02-03. Retrieved 2007-02-22.