Taxonomy
of Flowering Plants - LECTURE
NOTES - Spring, 1998
Hugh
D. Wilson - rm. 306,
Butler Hall
22 April 1998
The Zingiberidae
Family Overview - Bromeliales
Bromeliaceae - the Pineapple
Family
Diversity: stiff leaved,
often epiphytic herbs - ca. 45 genera and over 2,000 species - that vary
from large terrestrial herbs (Puya)
to tiny epiphytes. The domesticate pineapple (Ananas comosus)
produces a multiple fruit which is uncommon for the family.
Distribution: Essentially
New World (one species African), like the Cactaceae but, unlike the cacti,
centered in the moist tropics. Two genera (Hechtia,
Tillandsia)
with six species in Texas. (see North
American taxa).
Floral structure:
Significant features: Usually
epiphytic herbs with complex, multicellular trichomes that function to
move water into the plant, often from water holding 'tanks'
formed by imbrication of the basal leaves. Flowers usually actinomorphic
and showy with calyx and corolla distinct but inflorescence bracts often
a conspicuous attractive element. Fruits often capsular with the seeds
comose, but sometimes baccate.
Tillandsia usneoides:
(not spanish and not
a moss)
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population
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flowers
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capsular fruit
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Billbergia (ornamental):
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water tank
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epigynous flower
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fruit (sectioned)
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More information on the Bromeliaceae
Return to Lecture
Notes, the Botany
201 homepage, or the Zingiberidae
page