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About
The genus *Vriesea* includes many large, tank-forming bromeliads that store water in a reservoir formed by tightly overlapping leaf bases. These tropical plants are notable for supporting diverse insect and even amphibian life cycles within their leaf tanks.
Field notes
Morphology
The species form rosettes of leaves that create a reservoir, and they are generally epiphytes. They have dry capsules that split open to release parachute-like seeds similar to dandelions.
Distribution & habitat
Widespread over Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies.
Ecology
The leaves form a reservoir (a 'tank') that holds water and supports a wide variety of insect fauna, and some frog species complete their entire life cycle within these tanks.
History & etymology
The genus is named after the Dutch botanist and physician Willem Hendrik de Vriese (1806–1862).
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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