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Vriesea hieroglyphica

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vriesea hieroglyphica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Vriesea
Species:
V. hieroglyphica
Binomial name
Vriesea hieroglyphica

Vriesea hieroglyphica is a plant species in the genus Vriesea.

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

Distribution

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. pp. 104. ISBN 0517562413.
  2. ^ Martinelli, Gustavo; Vieira, Cláudia Magalhães; Gonzalez, Marcos; Leitman, Paula; Piratininga, Andréa; Costa, Andrea Ferreira da; Forzza, Rafaela Campostrini (January 2008). "Bromeliaceae da Mata Atlântica Brasileira: lista de espécies, distribuição e conservação" [Bromeliaceae of the brazilian Atlantic Forest: checklist, distribution and conservation]. Rodriguésia (in Brazilian Portuguese). 59 (1): 209–258. doi:10.1590/2175-7860200859114. JSTOR 23499386.
  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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