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.

population	flowers	capsular fruit

water tank	epigynous flower	fruit (sectioned)

More information on the Bromeliaceae