Bromelia balansae

Bromelia balansae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Bromeliaceae
Subfamily:	Bromelioideae
Genus:	Bromelia
Species:	B. balansae
Binomial name
Bromelia balansae Mez
Synonyms[1]
Karatas guianensis Baker Bromelia argentina Baker Bromelia balansae var. tricolor M.B.Foster Bromelia balansae f. tricolor (M.B.Foster) L.B.Sm.

Bromelia balansae is a species in the genus Bromelia. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Paraguay where it grows at elevations of 150 to 3,000 feet.^[1][2][3][4]

Description

Bromelia balansae is a large terrestrial bromeliad somewhat resembling the pineapple. Bromelias contain green leaves that grow 2–4 feet long with very sharp spines. When prepared to bloom, the center of the plant becomes bright red and then white prior to releasing an orange fruit - for its flower the plant is known as the "heart of flame," a well-deserved title. The orange-colored fruit it yields is said to make a cooling drink. It is the most commonly cultivated bromelia and may be used as fencing due to its large and rapid growth.^[5] It thrives in full sun and is best suited for growing outdoors.^[6]

Bromelia Balansae - the most commonly cultivated bromelia, a spiny species that closely resembles the pineapple.

References

1. 1 2 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
2. ↑ Checklist of Bolivian Bromeliaceae Archived November 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 October 2009
3. ↑ BROMELIACEAE DA MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA Retrieved 22 October 2009
4. ↑ BSI Journal V20(4), BROMELIA BALANSAE AND ITS CLOSE RELATIVES Retrieved 3 October 2011
5. ↑ Padilla, Victoria (1973). Bromeliads. New York: Crown Publishers. p. 42. ISBN 0517562413. 
6. ↑ Kramer, Jack (1976). Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc. pp. 90; 100. ISBN 0-442-24518-1.