Brocchinia reducta
Carnivorous bromeliad
Christian Hummert · CC BY-SA 2.0 de
About
*Brocchinia reducta* is a notable carnivorous bromeliad that forms a water-storing rosette. Its unique combination of a reflective, waxy coating, sweet-smelling water, and passive pitfall trap mechanism makes it an efficient trap for insects.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant forms a water-storing rosette with tightly overlapping leaves that are bright yellow and green. These leaves are coated with a very loose yet thick wax coat. The leaves also possess trichomes on the outer cell wall.
Distribution & habitat
Southern Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana. It is found in areas with nutrient-poor, high moisture soil.
Ecology
The plant uses a passive pitfall trap mechanism. The waxy surface, water collection, and sweet odor attract insects, which then slip into the water cup. The leaves are also covered in trichomes capable of absorbing nutrients.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,000–2,500 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Venezuela, Guyana
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Temperature
- Day 20–26°C / Night 12–18°C
- Humidity
- 60–85%
- Notes
- Guiana Highlands tank bromeliad that attracts, drowns, and digests prey with acidic water.
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