Bromeliaceae
Zingiberidae: Bromeliales. The Bromeliaceae are epiphytic herbs or
sometimes terrestrial xerophytes comprising about 45 genera and 2,000 species that are
further characterized by the presence of conspicuous floral bracts and scurfy, stalked,
peltate scales on the leaves and other plant surfaces. The leaves are alternate,
parallel-veined, usually stiffly lorate or strap-shaped, and troughlike, with a sheathing
base and commonly with spiny margins. The flowers are usually bisexual and actinomorphic
but unisexual and weakly zygomorphic forms are known. The perianth is in two dissimilar
series, each with 3 distinct to basally connate segments. The calyx is usually green but
not uncommonly petaloid and variously brightly colored. The corolla is typically brightly
colored and often the segments bear a pair of basal, sometimes nectariferous scales. The
androecium consists mostly of 6 stamens that are distinct or basally connate, and attach
to the receptacle or are adnate to the base of the corolla. The gynoecium consists of a
single compound pistil of 3 carpels, one style with 3 stigmas, and a superior to inferior
ovary with 3 locules, each containing usually numerous axile ovules. The fruit is usually
a berry or capsule.
Each "thumbnail" image below is linked to a larger photograph.
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Bromelia sp. Note the 3-merous perianth in two distinct whorls,
and 6 stamens. The whitish scurfy substance is made of peltate scales. The stigmas are
spirally twisted together. |
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Tillandsia usneoides, Spanish moss. The trimerous perianth and
peltate scales are very evident in this photo. |
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Bromeliaceae, unknown species. Although the calyx is somewhat petaloid
in this species, it is still quite unlike the corolla. Reddish bracts are also associated
with the flowers. |
|
Ananas comosus, pineapple. The pineapple is still an important
cash crop in Hawaii. Note the troughlike, strap-shaped leaves and the reddish bracts
associated with the flowers. In this species the ovaries and perianth segments of adjacent
flowers become coalesced into a multiple accessory fruit. |
|
bromeliad, note bright bracts, 3-merous perianth in two whorls, and 6
stamens. |
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