Vriesea hieroglyphica | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Bromeliaceae |
Genus: | Vriesea |
Species: | V. hieroglyphica
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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]
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]
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.
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]
Garden cultivars of Vriesea hieroglyphica, and hybrids with other Vriesea species, include:[6]