Vriesea hieroglyphica

Vriesea hieroglyphica is a plant species in the genus Vriesea.

Vriesea hieroglyphica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Vriesea
Species:
V. hieroglyphica
Binomial name
Vriesea hieroglyphica
(Carrière) E. Morren

The name refers to the linear horizontal patterns on the leaves that resemble hieroglyphs. It has been nicknamed "King of the bromeliads."[1]

Distribution

This bromeliad species is endemic to southeastern Brazil.

It grows at low altitudes in humid conditions under the shade of trees in the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira).[2]

Description

Vriesea hieroglyphica develops green leaves with irregular dark cross banding and recurved tips. The plant develops 30-40 shiny, bright green leaves measuring 3 feet (0.91 m) long and 3 inches wide.

It typically blooms in spring, and can bloom repeatedly in cultivation, with branching yellow, cream, or white flowers on a tall branched spike. The tall, light green flower spike "bears a branched inflorescence with 1-inch-long, pale green bracts and dull yellow-petaled flowers." [3]

The variety Vriesea hieroglyphica var. Marginata has broad cream−ivory colored bands on the leaves.

Cultivation

The distinctive leaf markings make Vriesea hieroglyphica a popular ornamental plant cultivated for gardening and commercial floristry uses, including as an interior landscape−house plants, potted outdoor plants, and planted in gardens in suitable climates.[4]

Outdoors it can be grown from light to full shade, and is rated for USDA Zone 10 (min 30 °F) and up. Indoors, it is usually grown with a northern exposure and assured humidity.[5]

Cultivars and hybrids
Cultivated plants blooming in the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, Tenerife.
Vriesea hieroglyphica grown in garden pots.

Garden cultivars of Vriesea hieroglyphica, and hybrids with other Vriesea species, include:[6]

References
  1. Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. pp. 104. ISBN 0517562413.
  2. BROMELIACEAE DA MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA . retrieved 22 October 2009.
  3. Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. pp. 104. ISBN 0517562413.
  4. Rauh, Werner (1979). Bromeliads For Home, Garden and Greenhouses. Nlandford Press Ltd. p. 349. ISBN 071370845X.
  5. Kramer, Jack (1976). Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. pp. 90, 100. ISBN 0-442-24518-1.
  6. BSI Cultivar Registry: Vriesea hieroglyphica cultivars and hybrids . retrieved 11 October 2009.
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