VOLUME XLII - No. 3 - MAY/JUNE 2008 The Bromeliad Society of Queensland Inc. P. O. Box 565, Fortitude Valley Queensland, Australia 4006, Home Page www.bromsqueensland.com OFFICERS PRESIDENT Olive Trevor (07) 3351 1203 VICE PRESIDENT Anne McBurnie PAST PRESIDENT Bob Reilly (07) 3870 8029 SECRETARY Chris Coulthard TREASURER Glenn Bernoth (07) 4661 3 634 BROMELIACEAE EDITOR Ross Stenhouse SHOW ORGANISER Bob Cross COMMITTEE Greg Aizlewood, Bruce Dunstan, Barry Kable, Arnold James,Viv Duncan, David Rees MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roy Pugh (07) 3263 5057 SEED BANK CO-ORDINATOR Doug Parkinson (07) 5497 5220 AUDITOR Anna Harris Accounting Services SALES AREA CASHIER Norma Poole FIELD DAY CO-ORDINATOR Ruth Kimber & Bev Mulcahy LIBRARIAN Evelyn Rees ASSISTANT SHOW ORGANISER Phil Beard SUPPER STEWARDS Nev Ryan, Barry Genn SALES Pat Barlow Phil James COMPETITION STEWARDS Dorothy Cutcliffe, Arnold James CHIEF COMPETITION STEWARD HOSTESS Gwen Parkinson BSQ WEBMASTER Ross Stenhouse LIFE MEMBERS Grace Goode OAM Peter Paroz, Michael O’Dea Editors Email Address: [email protected]

The Bromeliad Society of Queensland Inc. gives permission to all Bromeliad Societies to re- print articles in their journals provided proper acknowledgement is given to the original author and the Bromeliaceae, and no contrary direction is published in Bromeliaceae. This permission does not apply to any other person or organisation without the prior permission of the author. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributor and may not neces- sarily reflect the opinions of the Bromeliad Society of Queensland or of the Editor Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the information in their articles.

Front Cover: Guz. ‘ Rosie ’ Photo by Ross Stenhouse Rear Cover : squarrosa Photo by Ross Stenhouse

Bromeliaceae 2 May/June 2008 Contents

XGUZVRIESEA ‘JEANNIE ’ VERSUS ‘MARIAN O PPENHEIMER ’ ...... 5 BROMELIADS “BLACKLISTED ” ...... 6 BROMELIADS IN HANGING B ASKETS ...... 9 BROMELIAD LEAF FORMS ...... 11 MORE UNFAMILIAR G ENERA – L TO N – PLUS 9 BIGENERICS ...... 13 GROWING ...... 16 THE (VERY ) SMALL VRIESEAS ...... 18 GROWING LARGE VRIESEAS FROM SEED ...... 20 THE CASE FOR THE TILLANDSIA , AN APPRAISAL ...... 22 SOLUTIONS : GROWING CRYPTANTHUS IN THE COLD ...... 23 WHY ALCANTAREA ’S LEAN ?! ...... 24 HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WRITING FOR THIS JOURNAL ? ...... 26 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ...... 26 PLANT OF THE M ONTH PROGRAMME FOR 2008 ...... 27 COMPETITION SCHEDULE FOR 2008 ...... 27

Note from the Editor’s Desk This edition is a bit smaller than recent past editions - however fear not, there is a reason. No doubt some of you would have noticed that there is a mismatch between the dates for each issue as published within the journal and the month it actually arrives. This has happened as the result of this being my fourth year and the accumulation of slight slippages over that period that I was unable to make up. My solution has been to produce this cut-down version quickly after the Mar/April 2008 edition to try to get the timing back on course.

Important things to remember to do: 5th July - Bromeliad Seminar - 9AM to 4PM, core time 10AM to 3PM, Pamela Koides, the owner of the Birdrock Tropicals Nursery in the United States, has agreed to be the keynote speaker for this event. Bring your own lunch. This event will be great so make sure you don’t miss it. Books For Sale The Society has the following books for sale: • Starting with Bromeliads $18 • Pitcher of the Americas $60 • Bromeliads: A Cultural Manual $5 • Back Copies of Bromeliaceae (2005, 2006 Editions) $4 • Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden by Andrew Steens $36 • Bromeliads: Next Generation by Shane Zaghini $33 Postage and package extra. Unfortunately we cannot supply overseas orders. Please phone the Librarian, Mrs Evelyn Rees (07) 3355 0432 to order books.

Bromeliaceae 3 May/June 2008 Photo top left: xGuzvriesea ‘Marian Oppen- heimer taken at the Olive Branch April 2007 by Ross Stenhouse Photo top right : xGuzvriesea ‘Marian Op- penheimer’ taken by Herb Plever Photo middle right: xGuzvriesea ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ taken by Herb Plever Photo bottom right : xGuzvriesea ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ taken at the Olive Branch by Derek Butcher Photo bottom left: xGuzvriesea ‘Jeannie’ photo by Herb Plever Bromeliaceae 4 May/June 2008 http://fcbs.org. xGuzvriesea ‘Jeannie’ 3. Maureen Green in NZ sells ‘Jeaniae’ which suggests she got her plant years ago versus ‘Marian from Pineapple Place but we do not know what it looks like. However, it is described Oppenheimer’ as having green leaves which suggests it is by Derek Butcher May 2008. ‘Marian Oppenheimer’. I have a gut feeling that the only dif- This all started with Ebay and Ian ference will be that ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ Hook’s eagle eye to note that the ‘Jeanie’ has a clear compound inflorescence whereas (spelling on Ebay) offered did not link to the ‘Jeannie’ is either simple or only slightly description in the Register. While compound with the stated reddish leaves. Ian and Geoff Lawn checked the available As with this sort of ancient problem I literature I checked old catalogues. We found usually ask the Venerable Bede of American out that those who are growing plants called hybrids –Herb Plever of New York. Here ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ and ‘Jeanie’ in north- I struck pay dirt. This is what Herb had to ern NSW and Queensland say they are the say: same, but were they correct! “Hi Derek It is shown as Guzvriesea ‘ jeannieae’ I have lots of photos of xGuzvriesea in International Checklist of Bromeliad Hy- ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ taken at various times brids 1979. It was changed to xGuzvriesea and places; the attached photos are all of Herb ‘Jeannie’ in the Bromeliad Cultivar Register Hill’s plants. The full plant was shot at the 1998. No one seems to know when it was Corpus Christi WBC in 1982, the closeup of changed from dog Latin to English. the inflorescence labelled No. 2 was taken at 1. Pineapple Place catalogue in 1983 Herb’s exhibit at the Houston WBC in 1990. offered ‘Jeannieae’, in 1997 offered ‘Jeaniae’ The other close-up of the inflorescence of and ‘Marion’ (Their spelling!) From this I concluded there must be some difference, however slight, between the two. I have gut feeling that the yellow inflorescence in the description in the Cultivar Register means yellow petals! 2. Michael’s Bromeliads catalogue Suppliers of fine in Florida still shows ‘Marian’ ! This was tissue-cultured bromeliads the name used by Olive Trevor when I took the photo at her place in 2000, and now on [email protected] Bromeliaceae www.plantbiotech.com.au Production Crew Phone (07) 5471 6036 Editor: Ross Stenhouse Postal Address: 7 Thougla Place, Proofreader, Custom Badge Collector Buderim QLD 4556 and distribution manager: Roy Pugh Lab: 99 West Coolum Road, Regular Contributors : Derek Butcher, Mount Coolum QLD 4573 Rob Smythe, Rob Reilly, Peter Paroz Bromeliaceae 5 May/June 2008 ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ labeled inflorescence swapped in Quarantine when the true was taken in Herb’s greenhouse in Feb. 1991. ‘Jeannie’ died? We will never know but it It has more elongated spikes than No. 2. does seem that ‘Jeannie’ – whichever way As for xGuzvriesea ‘Jeannie’, the only you spell it – is not in Australia and that it photo I have of that plant was taken in March, should be called by its full name ‘Marian 1978, but I regret that I have neither memory Oppenheimer’. nor notes of where it was taken or whose plant it was. The attached photo shows a very dif- ferent plant than ‘Marian Oppenheimer’. ‘Jeannie’ and ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ Bromeliads do NOT have the same parents. Beadle in the “Blacklisted” 1998 Register lists the parentage of ‘Jeannie’ (by Geoff Lawn) as G. lingulata x V. ‘Rex’. Herb Hill gave me the parentage of ‘Marian Oppenheimer’ as V. ‘Viminalis Rex’ x G. lingulata var. minor (in Reprinted, with permission, from the that order, from which I always supposed that Journal of the Bromeliad Society, 1989, v. ‘Viminalis Rex was the seed parent). 39 (5), pp 214-216). V. ‘Rex’ is very different from V. No foliage bromeliad is truly devoid of ‘Viminalis Rex’. Beadle lists ‘Rex’s parents, colour, or black, but some come close since but says the parents of ‘Viminalis Rex’ are they have predominant or solid shades of unknown. In any event Beadle’s description indigo, mahogany, and aubergine purple, to of the two plants leaves no doubt they are deepest ebony. These dark beauties can be not the same plants. Therefore, the loosely grouped as those with rather fixed parents of ‘Jeannie’ and ‘Marian Oppenhe- pigmentation and others of very variable leaf imer’ are different. If Beadle was right about hues. Anthocyanic pigments, which mask the ‘Jeannie’s’ parentage, his listing implies G. green undertone and serve several purposes, lingulata was the seed parent - AND, who produce this foliar attractiveness. knows what G. lingulata was used. Anthocyanin-laden epidermal cells can If the label on the plant I photographed shield deeper leaf tissues from intense ultra- as ‘Jeannie’ was correct, ‘Jeannie’ and ‘Mar- violet light, which might otherwise destroy ian Oppenheimer are certainly not the same the photosynthesising chloroplasts. This plant as your correspondents claim. But function applies especially to sun-exposed, where did those purple leaves on ‘Jeannie’ sparsely-scurfed in the thinner atmos- come from? phere at high altitudes, particularly if stressed None of the Vriesea or V. through moisture and nutrient deficiencies. barillettii (the purported Vriesea parents) Nearer sea level, growers can still achieve have red leaves. Could it be the influence of comparable results, even if seasonal, but a Guzmania lingulata , like var. splendens low humidity and bleaching are dangers to (peacockii )? Or maybe the Guzmania parent watch. Become aware which green species was a different species altogether.” and hybrids never redden up in your area but burn readily if subjected to strong light So history tells us these cultivars are of long duration. different. How did the name get to Australia Leathery-leaved bromeliads of this attached to the wrong plant? Did labels get category are named below. They are usu- Bromeliaceae 6 May/June 2008 ally reliable, but the reader should realise In other genera, there are Vriesea that hard-grown specimens at maturity are sucrei, Nidularium (Canistropsis ) billber- usually smaller than their well-fed, but less gioides ‘Rubra’, N. innocentii ‘Nana’, N (C). colourful, counterparts: microps var. bicense , x Nidumea ‘Jean’, X • Aechmea fasciata var. purpurea; A. Nidumea ‘Midnight’. ‘Black Magic’, A. ‘Burgundy’, A. ‘Black Some growers complain that the ap- Marble’, A. ‘Noir’, A. ‘Very Black’. pearance of these dark-leaved plants is life- • Billbergia ‘Clyde Wasley’, B. ‘Oth- less either en masse or singly and, indeed, ello’, B. ‘Penumbra’. they can look sombre when shown this way. • Cryptanthus ‘Black Cherry’, C. As companion plants in a mixed display, ‘Black Mystic’, B. ‘Black Prince’, C. ‘Cherry however, they provide contrast and solidar- Frost’, C. ‘Snakeskin’. ity to plants with lighter patterned foliage, • Dyckia ‘Dark Chocolate’. notably variegates. • Neoregelia fosteriana , N. johannis For competition and displays, the ‘Rubra’ (in hort.), N. melanodonta , N. ‘Clar- shiny-leaved specimens especially should be et’, N. ‘Dark Delight’, N. ‘Deep Purple’, N. wiped clean as they invariably show up any ‘Dexter’s Pride’, N. ‘Morris Henry Hobbs’, mineral deposits, grime, or dust. In artistic N. ‘Royal Flush’, N. ‘Sanguine Night’, N. arrangements requiring dramatic or bold sim- ‘Vulkan’, N. ‘Alvin Purple’, N. ‘Blackie’, plicity, blackish rosettes or leaves can evoke N. ‘Darkie’. themes of evil and mysticism. • Bigenerics: x Cryptbergia ‘Red This favourable “black list” is by no Burst;, x Neolarium ‘Thor’, x Neomea ‘Black means complete but it focuses on a multitude Snow’, x Neomea ‘Magenta Star’. which, often possessing long-lasting, attrac- A race apart are the shade-loving Ae- tive inflorescences too, vie for a plum role, chmea species whose soft, bicoloured foli- age, it is theorised, enhances photosynthesis at lower light levels through the reflective properties of their anthocyanins. The red reverses of Aechmea victoriana var. discolor , A. fulgens var. discolor , and A. miniata var. discolor impart completely maroon- or gar- net-coloured leaves to many hybrids, often by the champion specialist breeder Ed. Hummel. Stockade Nursery Open Day Excessive light often dulls and muddies the 11th October 9-12 AM natural foliage sheen and colouring in this 70 Wades Road, Bellmere, Qld. group: Aechmea ‘Belizia’, A. ‘Black Flamin- Australia’s largest range of Alcantarea spe- go’, A. ‘Black Knight’, A. ‘Black Panther’, cies and forms over twenty available. A. ‘Black Prince’, A. ‘Black Tiger’, A. ‘By Giant Neoregelias and Tank Tillandsias. Golly’, A. ‘Chocolate soldier’, A. ‘Ebony Glow’, A. ‘Foster’s Favorite’, A. ‘Grape’, A. EFTPOS and Credit card facilities avail- ‘Jackson”, A. ‘Lullaby’, A. ‘Mirlo’, A. ‘Night- able. light’, A. ‘Nigre’, A. ‘Perez’, A. ‘Pico’, A. ‘Tonado’, A. ‘Black Jack’ and A. ‘Prieto’. Bromeliaceae 7 May/June 2008 Ae. ‘ Bert ’ Ae. ‘ Mary Brett

Ae. weilbachii - normal form

Bromeliaceae 8 May/June 2008 figuratively speaking in our collections. walls, and rafters. REFERENCES: From a functional viewpoint, not all Benzing, D.H. The biology of the hanging containers are well designed for bromeliads, Eureka, CA: Mad Fiver Press; plants generally, despite their intended pur- c 1980. pose. One fault is too few or small drainage Butcher, D.R. comp. Hybridist’s hand- holes, making extra crocking necessary. book and checklist of bromeliad hybrids and Some pottery has side peepholes or coves cultivars. 2nd ed. (Adelaide, S.A.) The Bro- too cramped for accommodating anything meliad Society of South Australia; 1986. but the dwarfish kinds. Another point is that Smith, B. comp. Manuscript of bro- a concave shape at the rim creates replanting meliad hybrids and cultivars. 2nd ed. Plano, problems if the root-ball is to remain reason- TX; 1984 ably intact. In terms of culture, metal con- tainers should be treated with caution – they can heat up and cool off rapidly during the Bromeliads in daily cycles. For epiphytic bromeliads, the container’s width or diameter is invariably Hanging Baskets more important than the depth as many are (by Geoff Lawn) shallow rooted. The following selection is a basic list Reprinted, with permission, from the from which to progress. Journal of the Bromeliad Society (1990), v. • Acanthostachys strobilacea 40 (3) pp 131-132. With the current revival of interest in hanging baskets and containers of all shapes THE OLIVE and sizes, bromeliads can be promoted as ideal subjects for this culture. Not everyone has suitable trees or an equable climate for BRANCH real success outdoors, so hanging contain- ers under cover becomes one alternative Len and Olive Trevor answer. 232 Canvey Road, Ferny Grove, Many of our miniature – to medium Qld 4053 size epiphytes and some terrestrials fulfil Specialising in hybrid Vrieseas, this role admirably. They add contrast and Aechmeas, Variegated height to a display be it the private patio, Neoregelias shadehouse, pergola, or public show. Con- Skotak Hybrids, Aussie Dream and sider also that suspended to two metres up, varieties, and other quality generally bromeliads receive more light and Bromeliads better aeration. Often on still, winter nights, colder air settles at bench, floor, or ground level. This is a crucial factor from which susceptible species may escape by higher Phone (07) 3351 1203 placement. To minimise frost strike and heat Visitors welcome by appointment - Please radiation, hanging containers need position- Phone First ing at least half a metre clear of solid roofs,

Bromeliaceae 9 May/June 2008 Guzmania lingulata var. minor Neo. ‘Turbulent’

Neo. ‘Wild Tiger’ Neo.pauciflora

Bromeliaceae 10 May/June 2008 • Aechmea ‘Bert’, calyculata, corymbosa, • , ensiformis, guttata, psit- fasciata var. purpurea, filicaulis , ‘Foster’s tacina, scalaris . Favorite’, fulgens var. discolor , gracilis, las- Decide on your subject’s main attrac- seri, lindenii. Lueddemanniana , ‘Mary Brett’, tion and hang it to best advantage. Many of orlandiana, pineliana var. minuta, racinae, the aechmeas, billbergias, and neoregelias recurvata , ‘Royal Wine’, weilbachii . with leaf reverses that are striped, mottled, or • Billbergia amoena var, minor , ‘Catherine banded are enhanced by being staged above Wilson’, chlorosticta, distachia , ‘Fantasia’, eye level. With the increased exposure, the lietzei, leptopoda, nutans , ‘Santa Barbara’. soft-leafed plants positively glow through • Dyckia brevifolia, leptostachya, fosteri- their translucent foliage but extra shading ana, minarum. tuberosa. and watering may be required. Attachment to • Guzmania lingulata var. minor . beams, away from head height and walkways, • Neoregelia albiflora, ampullacea, bahi - should be secure, as sometimes winds turn ana, doeringiana, lilliputiana , ‘Marcon’, baskets into swinging pendulums capable of punctatissima , ‘Polka Dot’, ‘Petite’, ‘Pep- being dislodged. per’, tigrina, tristis . If you can’t bear the thought of setting • Orthophytum navioides, saxicola . aside your best or only bench specimens for • Quesnelia humilis, liboniana, mar - this transfer, why not compromise by placing morata . pot and all in a slat raft – the bromeliad will • Tillandsia: most small, silvery leaved and probably appreciate the temporary change as soft varieties. much as you. This exercise really is small-scale MIDHURST landscaping for aerial gardens. Hanging containers are a standard practice, of course, BROMELIAD but we need not become complacent with this simple yet effective technique. The diversity NURSERY is there to enjoy. SPECIALIST GROWERS OF TILLANDSIA SEEDLINGS Bromeliad Leaf Forms Hard grown to suit All Australian (by David Longley) conditions Editorial comment (Bob Reilly). In Wholesale and Mail Order Only this article, the author explains the mean- Write for a free price list of Tillandsia ing of many of the botanical terms used to and other genera to: describe bromeliad leaf forms. Reprinted, MIDHURST BROMELIAD with permission of the BSI, from the Journal NURSERY of the Bromeliad Society, 1996, v 46 (1), pp P. O. BOX 612 16-18. Bromeliad leaves can be divided into HURSTBRIDGE, 3099 two basic types – those with spines and those PHONE (03) 9718 2887 without. Those with spines belong to the sub- FAX (03) 9718 2760 families and Bromelioideae , EMAIL : [email protected] while those without belong to the subfamily Bromeliaceae 11 May/June 2008 . An exception to this rule is attenuate - Narrowing to a thin, slender a plant like heterophylla , which point displays two distinct leaf forms. One is green barbed - Having short, stiff, hooked bris- and entirely spineless and the other is brown tles and wickedly thorny. Another interesting brachyphylla - Having short leaves thing about this plant is that in the winter carcharodon - With shark-like teeth months it sheds its green leaves and blooms, chaetophylla - With bristle-like leaves while retaining its thorny brown leaves. coriaceous - Leathery All bromeliads have scales or tri- crenate - With margins that are cut into chomes, as they are properly termed. In the rounded scallops Tillandsia, the leaves are generally to- cuspidate - Tipped with a sharp, ridged tally covered with trichomes. Again we find spine exceptions to this rule. These scales play an deciduous - Referring to plants that lose their important part in the plant’s survival in that leaves at the end of their growing period they are able to absorb moisture from the air. dimorphus - Refers to a plant having two They can also tell us how much light the plant distinctly different types of leaves is able to tolerate. The scurfy-leafed tilland- entire - Refers to leaves with smooth edges sias can tolerate more light than those of the and no indentations waxy leafed types. This is also an indication filifolia - Having thread-like foliage as to where they may be found in habitat. The flagelliformis - With whip-like leaves waxy-leafed types will more often be found glabrous - Smooth, glossy, without hairs lower down on the tree trunk in a shaded heterophylla - Having leaves of more than environment and the scurfy types higher up one shape in the tree branches in bright light. induplicate - With margins folded in- The form and size of the leaves are wardly extremely varied, from grass-like leaves to wide strap-shaped leaves. In Tillandsia duratii we find the leaves coiled around tree branches in an effort to support itself. M. J. PATERSON In general, however, bromeliad leaves are alike in that they usually have a blade and 212 SANDY CREEK ROAD, a sheath. The following is a list of some of GYMPIE, Qld 4570 the terms used in describing leaf forms and characteristics. Large Range of Bromeliads For Sale Especially our own Hybrid Tillandsias acanthi - As in a leaf that is quickly narrowed and Neoregelias to a point acuminate - Tapered to a long narrow point DO CALL IN IF YOU ARE UP THIS acute - Ending in a sharp point, sides nearly WAY BUT PLEASE PHONE FIRST straight; angle formed by leaf tip less than 90 degrees. The opposite of obtuse. PHONE / FAX angustifolia - Having narrow leaves (07) 5482 3308 armed Having defences such as thorns, spines or barbs Bromeliaceae 12 May/June 2008 iridifolia - With iris-like leaves juncea - Looking like a reed, as of the leaves More Unfamiliar laccatus - Looking as if lacquered Genera – L to N – Plus laevis - Smooth, polished-like surface latifolia - Broad leaf 9 Bigenerics leaf blade - The upper portion of the leaf, (by Herb Plever) above the leaf sheath leaf sheath - The lower portion of the leaf; that portion that is attached to the growing Editorial Comments (Bob Reilly). In axis. The wider, basal portion of a leaf. this article, Herb Plever a long-time grower leptosepalus - Thin, slender-leafed of bromeliads in New York City apartments, ligulate Strap-shaped. (Also called lingu- discusses some of the rarer bromeliad genera, late). and some bi-generics i.e. crosses between two longifolius - Long-leafed genera. Given the different climates, many of macrophylla - Large-leafed his cultivation suggestions are not directly oblique - Slanting, having unequal sides applicable to Queensland, but may have some obtuse - Blunt; angle formed at leaf tip great- application to apartment dwellers. er than 90 degrees. The opposite of acute (Reprinted, with permission, from Bro - patula - Spread out, broad, flat meliana, (2007) v.44(3), pp 1-3) phyllum - leaf At the March meeting (of the New York platyphylla - Having wide leaves Bromeliad Society) we will continue with our polymorphic - With several distinct forms, survey of more of the species and cultivars of particularly variation within a species the 57 bromeliad genera. Over the years we pungens - Having a sharp, stiff point have covered all of the genera but there have recurvata - Having recurved leaves been changes, new species and cultivars and retorted - Directed backwards or bent back we have many new members who have little (retroverse) knowledge of this material. retuse - The obtuse apex of a leaf, having a This month we are starting with letter slight notch “L” up to letter “N”, and we will show 5 gen- serrata - With teeth like a saw, sharp teeth era which will not be familiar to most of our pointing forward members, plus Nidularium and 9 bigenerics sinuate - Wavy; having leaves with wavy groups. (You will recall that we presented margins Neoregelia at our February meeting). Many streptophylla - Twisted leaves of the bromeliads shown in our programs are tenuifolia - Finely leafed; having slender or can be made available in our spring plant leaves order. It is a good idea to make notes of the trichome - The scales on the leaves of brome- plants that strike your fancy and ask questions liads that are capable of absorbing moisture about their size and culture and whether they and transferring it to the plant tissue can be ordered. tricophylla - Hairy-leafed The 6 genera that will be shown at undulata - Wavy, having a wavy margin or our March 6th meeting are as follows: in surface subfamily Pitcairnoideae – Lindmania (with Unifoliate - One leaf 38 species) and Navia (92 species); in sub- Bromeliaceae 13 May/June 2008 family Bromelioideae – Lymania (8 species), century botanists and adventurers who made Neoglaziovia (3 species) and Nidularium the climb came back with stories about this (45 species); in subfamily Tillandsioideae fabulous, isolated world. Those stories – Mezobromelia (9 species). The 9 bigener- prompted A. Conan Doyle to make the trip ics will be discussed below after the material which stimulated his science fiction novel: on the 6 genera. “The Lost World”. Lindmania and Navia are found exclu- Lindmania species are adapted to high sively on the tops and flanks of the tepuis, altitude, cool temperature and fog-laden the table-topped mountains in southeastern humidity; thus they are rarely found in culti- and in Guayana. Tepuis range vation. Perhaps collectors have been unable in altitude from 2,500 ft (750M) to 7,500 ft to provide a sufficiently cool environment (2,250 m). The surface summit of large tepuis for the plants when they are brought down have an average area of about 270 square as they have rarely survived. This is a pity miles (700 km²). They are covered with fog because there are absolutely wonderful plants for many hours and are cool. The average among the 38 species, including the small temperature of high tepuis is 57°F (10°C) but Lindmania holstii and L. huberi , and the tall it can go as low as 39°F (3°C). L. oliva-estevae with many white blooms These mountains have cores of igne- clustered on the branched inflorescence like ous and granitic rock and are covered with large roses. Bruce Holst found L. holstii on deep layers of reddish sandstone. The top a sandstone floor at the mouth of a bat cave mesas are divided by canyons and crevices, on a cliff face near the top of a tepui. It has creeks and streams and are covered with a diameter of 6 inches and would make a moist, acidic bogs. In ancient times it was good windowsill plant if we could ever get this habitat that spawned , the first a few pieces of it and manage to grow it. I bromeliad. Many plants other than Lindma- have a pipe-dream that I could grow one on nias and Navias grow on the tepuis. The a window sill directly in front of a humidi- carnivorous bromeliad, Brocchinia reducta , fier, because my apartment is air-conditioned and a number of carnivorous pitcher plants when it is warm, and the winter temperatures are found there. near the window panes range from about 64°F Lindmanias are found at the cooler, (18°C) down to 56°F (13°C) at night when it higher altitudes on the top mesas or on is really cold. One of these days…. cliff faces near the summits. They grow No Lindmania are available for sale saxicolous on rocks or in their crevices and anywhere, and only one Navia , Navia ign- cracks, or terrestrially on river banks or in eosicola , will be on our plant order. That is bogs. unfortunate, because we know we can grow Navia species are found mostly at the Navia.. lower altitudes on the forest or rock slopes of Genus Lymania was created by Dr. the tepuis, growing epiphytically, saxicolous Robert Read (Lyman Smith’s close associate) or terrestrially. in 1984 with four species transferred from The steep, vertical sides of a tepui Aechmea, Ronnbergia and Araeococcus . makes it a very arduous and dangerous climb Since then four new species have been added for collectors to reach the top. (Modern to the genus. Lymanias are attractive, small collectors with financial resources can use forest epiphytes from Bahia, Brazil and they helicopters to get there). 18th and 19th are good indoor plants in size and culture. Bromeliaceae 14 May/June 2008 Available on the plant order are Lymania X Neobergia (Neogreglia x Billber- alvimii, L.corallina and L.smithii. gia ) has but one cultivar. X Neobergiopsis Genus Neoglaziovia’s three species (Hohenbergiopsis x Neoregelia ) also has only grow epiphytically or saxicolous in open, dry one cultivar. thorn forests in Brazil. Neoglaziovia vari- X Neomea (Neoregelia x Aechmea ) egata is the only species available. evidently is an easy cross to make as it has Nidularium with 45 species and 31 reg- 34 registered cultivar. Most are unavailable istered cultivars is a well known genus. The except X Neomea ‘Strawberry’. Neoregelia species are all found in mid and south coastal Brazil, growing terrestrially on the forest floors or as epiphytes, low on tree trunks. WILDFIRE GARDEN BROMELIAD NURSERY The genus name comes from the Latin nidus ALCANTAREA’S FOLIAGE VRIESEA’S or next, describing the inflorescence that sits NEOREGELIA’S & OTHER GENERA low in the centre like a nest. In Neoregelia the cup ends of the leaves turn bright colours at VISITORS WELCOME blooming time to attract pollinators. In Nidu- BY APPOINTMENT larium the primary bracts of the inflorescence Cheryl Basic are bright red, orange, yellow etc. Judging 1560 Yandina-Coolum road from the scarcity of Nidularium entries in Yandina. 4561 WBC shows, they are much less popular Ph. 07 5472 8827 now than a few decades ago. 10 species and Mob. 0403 193069 [email protected] varities and 9 cultivars can be made available on our plant order. Except for Nidularium innocentii var. BRISBANE innocentii cv. ‘Nana’ all of these very attrac- tive plants are of medium to medium-large BROMELIAD size. Worth growing are Nidularium fulgens , N. innocentii var. lineatum, N. innocentii var CENTRE innocentii, N. rutilans, N. antoineanum, N. scheremetiewii and N. ‘leprosa’. Although they grow low in the forests, that tropical light still may be higher than 34 Hauton Road, Morayfield 4506 good available light indoors. You will have HUGE SELECTION to differentiate the cultural needs of different of species and cultivars. Nidularium fulgens Aechmeas, Vrieseas, Guzmanias, gets the best markings and leaf colour in a full Neoregelias sun south window, whereas N. innocentii var. Nidularium & Tillandsias lineatum will do better in diffuse light, and together with a variety of rarer species you should not permit its medium or the leaf and hydrids axils to dry out. Var. lineatum grows best for BARBARA and LORRAINE me under fluorescent lights where its lines are Phone (07) 5433 0303 white rather than cream coloured. VISITORS by APPOINTMENT Most of the cultivars from the 9 bi-ge- neric crosses will be shown in the video. Bromeliaceae 15 May/June 2008 is dominant for size of the blooms in Ne- cultivars of X Niduregelia (Nidularium omeas . These resemble miniature Aechmea x Neoregelia ). Only two of these, X Ni- inflorescences with very small or no scapes, duregelia ‘Garnet’ and ‘Something Special’ and they are low in the cup like the Neos. are available to be ordered. The exquisite X Because it has dramatic colour and tight Niduregelia ‘Suvenir De Casimir Morobe’, conformation, my favourite is Nat DeLeon’s ‘Heart A Fire’ and ‘Pipe Dream’ are worth beautiful cross of Neoregelia ‘Royal Flush’ x acquiring when they are available. Aechmea fasciata . I regret that it was never registered and is not available. There are 13 beautiful bi-generic crosses from X Neophytum (Neoregelia x Growing Alcantarea Orthophytum ), and most seem to have been (by Theresa M Bert) made using Orthophytum navioides as one of the parents. Outstanding and available are the variegated X Neophytum ‘Galactic Warrior’, (Reprinted, with persmission, from X Neophytum ‘Burgundy Hill’ (Herb Hill) and the Journal of the Bromeliad Society, 2007, X Neophytum ‘Lisanne Kiehl’ (by Michael v.57(5), pp 218-221. Kiehl). From the somewhat over saturated Bromeliads in the genus Alcantarea are photos of X Neophytum ‘Aurora’ and ‘Ecsta- native to eastern Brazil, where they grow ter- sy’ on fcbs.org (not yet available) I would say restrially in open places. Most of them grow that these cultivars should be prized additions in full sun, on granite outcrops (inselbergs) to your collection. Of course, you must take that can soar up to 500 ft. (150 m) above into account that Neophytums are medium- rivers, tropical forests, and cultivated fields large to large and need strong light. in cracks where water percolates through the X Neorockia (Neoregelia x Wittrockia ) granite. Many of them were formerly in the and x Neostropsi s (Canistropsis x Neoregelia ) genus Vriesea. Most are very large – 3 to 5 ft. each have but two cultivars, and none of them (1 – 1.5 m) in diameter at full size – and have are available. brightly coloured, lightly coloured, or white X Neotanthus (Neoregelia x Crytan- and green inflorescences that are spectacular. thus ) has five registered cultivars. Three of The inflorescences can be up to 7 - 8 ft them are lovely crosses and can be available (2 – 2.4 m) tall, with multiple branches; on our plant order. X Neotanthus ‘Card- large, sometimes colourful bracts; and lovely, board’, ‘Firefoam’ and ‘Waffle’. three petaled, yellow or white flowers with X Nidumea (Nidularium x Aechmea) long, protruding stamens. Many have flow - has four registered cultivars, but none are ers with long petals that curve backward and presently available. Outstanding are: XNi- sideways, like lovely curls at the ends. Don’t dumea (Nidularium innocentii var. innocentii hold your breath waiting for these plants to x Achemea fasciata ) made by Nat DeLeon flower – they can be 10 or more years old and X Nidumea ‘Penumbra’ made by Chester before they flower. But it’s worth the wait! Skotak. Since ‘Penumbra’ was exhibited by You will need space to grow these Michael’s Bromeliads at the 2006 WBC in plants. Alcantarea species can be grown in a San Diego, it is to be hoped that plant will loose mix of potting soil, a little charcoal, and soon be available. perlite. Increase pot size as they grow. Incredibly, there are 17 registered They eventually become so heavy that Bromeliaceae 16 May/June 2008 the bases lean and press against the edge of using this method. To remove those pups, the pot. At this time, they’ll fall over when I remove all leaves below them and use the loaded with water unless some preventative same technique described above for the grass measure is taken. I usually pot them in plastic pups. The best way to get them to root is to pots and place those pots into heavy clay pots. insert them between the parent plant’s trunk Sometimes I also need to counterbalance the and a big remaining leaf until they develop base of the plant by putting a brick or two in roots, which takes a few months. For me, that the plastic pot on the side opposite the plant works better than potting them. base. Some species and varieties( e.g. A. im- Few bromeliad enthusiasts here (Edito- perialis ‘Red’) tend to rot at the base; to guard rial comment: In Florida, where the author against this, grow those plants in pure perlite lives) seem to grow Alcantarea species, prob- and porous rock (e.g. commercially available ably because they are so big, but if you want lava rock), with lots of time-released fertilizer a unique, interesting landscape, try plants (avoid placing the fertilizer so that it touches of this genus. They can tolerate some leaf the plant base). litter accumulation, but not acorns or rotting They respond well to time-released leaves left in their centres for months. Sev- fertilizer (I use 6-month time-released Nutri- eral large species available for cultivation are cote, also available as Dynamite). They also cold-tolerant, easy to grow, and spectacular do well in the ground. If covered with light (e.g. , A. odorata, A. frost cloth or sheets, they survive light frosts extensa, A. brasiliana, A. vinicolor and A. without damage. I grow them in my yard, in heloisae). A. imperialis , the most popular full sun or partial shade, and in a shade house species, comes in several colours. The sitting high above all other plants. Plant or place them in locations where you won’t need to move them after they’re full grown. An SHADE Alcantarea holding even a little water can weight 80 -100 lbs. HOUSES The pups on Alcantarea grow from the trunk. Small “grass pups’ with thin leaves can appear beneath the leaves when the plant Manufacturers of Orchid, Fern is small through full-sized. These can be and Shade Houses since 1976 removed when they’re about 4 - 5 in. (10 - 12.5 cm) long and potted. They are not easily removed because the base is recurved into the trunk of the parent plant. To remove them, dig the potting mix away from the plant, grasp the pup by the base, and wiggle it from side to side while simultaneously pulling the pup a bit away from the mother plant. Very robust pups frequently appear after the plant has bloomed (cut off the in- Ph: (07) 3207 2793 florescence) if time-released fertilizer pellets Fax: (07) 3822 2307 are placed between the leaves. Sometimes 151 Railway Pde., Thornside, Q 4158 it’s possible to get a dozen or more pups by www.petersglen.com.au Bromeliaceae 17 May/June 2008 broad, stiff, spineless leaves are green above Green leaves are numerous, heavily brown- and green or various shades of red or purple spotted and tightly recurved. Blooms and beneath. A. odorata can be purchased with bracts are insignificant, greenish yellow and varying degrees of trichome (scurf) coverage. reputed to smell like Ivory soap. It is rightly Those with thick coverings (e.g. the cultivar the most popular of the small vrieseas. It self ‘Silver’) are fuzzy, or snowy-looking, and seeds and is easily propagated. It is named for interestingly beautiful. Racine Foster who discovered it in Espirito Santo, Brazil. • Vriesea poenulata . To 12 inches (30 The (Very) Small cm) tall, including the inflorescence. It has many, thin, recurved leaves growing from a Vrieseas modified-bulbous base. If kept fairly dry, (by Carol Johnson) the leaves develop dark speckles, which are very attractive. Flowers are yellow and fairly Editorial comment (Bob Reilly): large for so small a plant. The plant blooms Carol Johnson owned a bromeliad nursery regularly and produces numerous offsets. It in Florida, United States of America. Grow - requires little care. ing conditions in that location are similar to • Vriesea correia-araujoi. It is very similar much of southern, coastal Queensland, so it to V. poenulata but without the speckled foli- is well worth trying Carol’s suggestions. age. The blooms are white. The leaves are Reprinted, with permission, from the more erect than recurved. Journal of the Bromeliad Society (1995), v. There are many other small – to me- 45(3) pp 132- 133. dium-sized vrieseas that are a joy to grow The many small vrieseas tend to get lost but all of those listed below can be force-fed in the maze of their big, glamorous relatives, and over-potted to increase their size. Grown but to those who have a limited or very little normally, all are small enough to qualify as space, or who specialise in small plants, there space savers: are real gems available. Most of the truly Vriesea bleheri (bleherae) (see photo- miniature vrieseas are native to eastern Brazil graph p. 19) and, in my experience, all self seed and are V. carinata (see photograph p. 19) easily grown. All seem to prefer low light V. flamme a (stoloniferous) but in all other ways should be treated like V. guttata (see photograph p. 19) their bigger relatives. I list here only four, V. lubbersii (stoloniferous) but they are my favourites of the really small V. rodigasiana plants. All are species. V. scalaris • Vriesea modesta . To 12” (30 cm) high V. simplex including inflorescence. Beautiful, simple V. sucrei (see photograph p. 19) bloom spike rising just above the recurved There are also gray-leafed tillandsias green leaves. Spike is wider than tall, red that are like vrieseas but they require different blending to yellow-orange and rose. Very treatment and deserve separate discussion. long lasting. Best grown as a clump in a six-inch bulb pan. • . Eight to ten inches (20 cm to 25 cm) tall, including inflorescence.

Bromeliaceae 18 May/June 2008 Vr. carinata Vr. bleherae

Vr. sucrei Vr. guttata

Bromeliaceae 19 May/June 2008 they were around 2 mm tall – when I spoke Growing Large to him at the end of January they had grown to around 4 mm). Vrieseas from Seed Potting on: When the seedlings have (based on a talk by Steve Morgan) reached sufficient size (about 1 cm with around 4 leaves) they are ready to be potted (Reprinted, with permission, from the up using a mix of crushed charcoal/Perlite/ Bromelia Post, (March 2007), pp 32-33) peat and cheap potting mix (sieve the potting Growing some of the large vrieseas, mix and also the charcoal, which has been such as and Vriesea broken up with a hammer, to remove any ‘Red Chestnut’, from seed is not as difficult large pieces, then add the perlite and peat. or as time-consuming as you might think and About 10 of the young seedlings are potted zippered polyvinyl bags – the kind that blan- up into a 100 ml squat pot – somewhat in a kets/doonas, etc come in – are the secret. circle so that the leaves are gently touching The method is as follows: each other (this apparently helps the seedlings Gathering the seed. When the lower to prosper), and away from the edge of the seed pods on the flower stalk start to split, pot. (Vriesea hieroglyphica seedlings are take off the head, putting it in a paper bag quite slow-growing at this point and will where the pods seem to burst open quite have taken around 12 months to reach the 1 quickly after that. cm size, while will grow Planting Medium. Fill a plastic seed- faster – 8-9 months. In contrast, neoregelia ling tray (36 x 30 x 6 cm which can often and aechmea seedlings may take only 2-3 be obtained free from nurseries) with peat months). which has been sterilised by putting it into Mist-spray every day in the warmer boiling water. weather (from spring on), although perhaps Next, spread the seed onto the top of not every day in winter. the peat (not too thickly, so as not to disturb Feed for 1 week, as above – leave 1 the seedlings too much when potting on) and month and then fertilise again. then mist the seeds and mix with rainwater, Wind is a big worry with seedlings and using a plastic spray bottle. DO NOT cover they need to be protected. Bunnings carry the seeds with the mix! small glass houses which sell for around $23, For 3 months the seeds/seedlings are which are ideal for this use. Vriesea seed (if misted every day with rainwater. kept in a paper bag – not plastic, which can After 3 months, add a pinch of Phostro- cause seeds to rot – and kept in a cool place, gen to the water – but use this fertiliser mix a drawer for example) seems to remain vi- only over a 3 day period, and then return to able for some time (perhaps for as long as 12 the usual rainwater regime. In winter place months) and the seed which Steve had planted the tray inside the zippered bag (as mentioned 4 months after picking had all germinated. above) and bring it indoors where it is given For any fungal problems, Yates’ Anti- a position in good light. Within 2-3 weeks Rot is recommended. Take care not to use there should be some green showing where anything with copper in it, as we know this the seeds have germinated. (Steve showed us can be deadly to bromeliads. an example of his seedlings in the tray which Steve has noticed that Vrieseas seem to had been planted up in mid September and time their flowering so that seeds are ready Bromeliaceae 20 May/June 2008 Vr. hieroglyphica

Vr. ‘Red Chestnut’ Vr. hybrid

Bromeliaceae 21 May/June 2008 to be planted out in the spring. In late spring he so labels it – and that, dear reader, is what it is expected that tillandsia seeds will have my intention is herewith. At the moment, I germinated after 2-3 weeks and vrieseas after command your attention and your thoughts. 10-12 days. At a later time, your turn will come. With Tillandsias, Steve has found that, And now to the facts of my defence once misted, they will cling quite well onto that the tillandsia is the King among all bro- tree fern logs/pieces. He has also planted meliads. My argument is strengthened by them onto coconut fibre, but found that when simple comparisons of the King and a few they had been left too long under the plastic of the popular rival genera. cover they had rotted. Firstly, let us bring to the arena the While species/cultivars such as the neoregelia. Granted, this plant has interest- Vriesea hieroglyphica/Vriesea ‘Red Chest- ing leaf colouration if one is in the position nut’ can take up to 9 years to flower, this is of viewing it solely from above. However, a great way to get largish numbers of these even its most avid admirers will admit that plants and their display can be enjoyed well the neoregelia at times spews forth some before this time. formidable fumes closely resembling rotten eggs. In fact, it is rare that one will observe an admirer bending down low over the centre of this plant. From his own experience, he The Case for the knows it is wiser to do any viewing from a safe distance. Besides this, the neoregelia Tillandsia, An produces flowers that can be seen only by Appraisal those of us who wear bifocals. Admirers (by Jack Percival) who do see the blooms are not known to sing any loud praises of the colours of the little Editorial comment (Bob Reilly). The flowers. An annoyance because of its vase author of this article argues a convincing shape, the plant is paradise for the mosquito, case as to why tillandsias are the best bro- the snail, the worm, the frog and old rotten meliad genus. Does anyone have a contrary leaves. The King is not guilty of any of these view? Reprinted, with permission, from the negatives. Journal of the Bromelaid Society. (1989), v. Next comes to mind the aechmea. Here 39(5), pp 223-224. we have a plant that can inundate a modest Devotees of the low-slung neoregelia, garden before the innocent grower realizes the prickly aechmea and the frail guzmania it. This giant of the family is so tough that to name but a few, no doubt will reach for it usually can withstand the grinding teeth their six-shooters and prepare for the battle of the local bug population but seems to be which this dissertation is bound to inflame. unable to resist scale. With its sharp spines, First a “confession” this columnist carries an aechmea closely reminds one of the beauti- addiction not unlike the heavy smoker or the ful, shapely twenty-year old chick – look alcohol abuser; it won’t quit! The malady to at the body but don’t touch! Not only does which I refer is the unashamed worship of the this hefty creature have spines on its leaves mighty tillandsia. Every writer, every low- from stem to tip, it further protects itself by paid columnist has the journalistic right to exhibiting barbs on its berries. The observer express his own private, biased opinion when in this case keeps his distance. Some who Bromeliaceae 22 May/June 2008 have not done so have ended up with infected sia. Biased account? Of Course. Controver- hands and arms. Many of us hobbyists have sial? Correct. However, there is a bright side permanent scarring to prove we have been of this one-sided thesis: to the diehards, those too close to this plant. The King displays no lovers of the neoregelia, the aechmea, and the such armour. guzmania (and in fact any other genus), we The guzmania is our third and final extend our friendly hand and offer equal time candidate. This frail bromeliad shows some for your rebuttals…Is the tillandsia really the fine colourations on leaves that are brittle and King? What are your thoughts? easily creased or broken. It seems to be a target for the of the forest, garden and greenhouse. The Solutions: Growing delicate leaves often become victims of high winds. In general it is a very tender personal- Cryptanthus in the ity and is not an easy plant to cultivate. While not a complete weakling, it comes close to Cold being one. The King shows no such weak (by Trevor De Vries) tendencies. Lastly we turn to the King himself. Is Reprinted, with permission, from Bro- the tillandsia really the King? That it rules meliad Newsletter, August 2007, v. 25(8), supreme is possibly an overstatement. To p 11. some, this is dubbed an exaggeration. To Until recently, I have had no success others, the title of king rightly goes to the growing Cryptanthus in my area so I set out exciting tillandsia. to visit two of our more experienced club In defensive summation, merely a clos- members, Leo and Arthur, to see if they could ing broad question: in the whole bromeliad help with my problem. To my delight, both family is there any than can compare favour- had come up with effective solutions and I’d ably with the King? Specifically, in its: like to share them with you. 1. Many variations of body shape and Cleverclogs number 1: Leo form? Leo has set up a table throughout his 2. Countless different types of leaf forma- unit under heat lamps. Each Crypthanthus tion? has its own saucer of water. The solution ap- 3. Absence of debris and odour? pealed to me very much; however, my house 4. Ability to be -free? (with the excep- also contains two kids, two naughty cats and tion of the ant-tillandsia coexistence for the a wife who doesn’t understand bromeliads. equal benefit to each) So I continued my journey to visit … 5. Freedom from sharp spines? Cleverclogs number 2: Arthur 6. Adaptability to all climes? Arthur showed me around his garden 7. Trichome (foliar hair or scales) capabil- and both his shadehouses. Although I could ity: that is, its elasticity to open the scale to not spot a single Crypthanthus, Arthur as- catch the rain or moisture and to close it in sured me they were there. When I looked times of drought? closer, I realised that the twenty or so plastic 8. Versatility to prosper on almost any boxes I assumed were for storage, actu- medium? ally contained plants and they were growing Thus – the case is closed for the tilland- beautifully. Bromeliaceae 23 May/June 2008 This is how he did it: Bunnings sell they all lean into the cliff face to spread the large plastic boxes with air flow gaps around substantial (60 + litres) water bearing loads the lid. Inside, place a tray or something to and later inflorescence and wind loads to - raise the plant above the water level. Place wards and onto the cliff face. Even on less the pot on the tray inside the box and fill the acute cliff faces and in cultivation on hillsides bottom of the box with water (lower than the they lean acutely towards the slope (here they tray). With the lid closed and a little sunlight, look like they need straightening). Local rock the inside of the box becomes the perfect climbers and abseiler’s use Alcantarea as se- atmosphere for the plant. cure foot and hand holds, some of the stolons from past growth observed in Alcantarea glazouiana and roberto-kautskyi were a metre Why Alcantarea’s long, a nutrient impoverished environment means a long time to flowering. Lean?! Visiting Petropolis in the Organ Moun- (by Mark Paul) tains behind Rio de Janeiro the diversity of Reprinted, with permission, from Bro- colours and forms in Alcantarea imperialis meliad Newsletter, October 2006, v.24(10), was amazing (particularly being used to see- pp 13-15. ing comparatively few clones of the species in The genus Alcantarea has some of the cultivation) from blacks to reds to greens and largest members of the Bromeliad family two-tone colours. Massive plants with huge growing to 2m x 2m dimensions with a 3m stacks of leaves, smaller compact plants with inflorescence. There are 16 described species fewer leaves. Broader leaves, finer leaves, all from eastern Brazil. pointier and rounded (recurved under) leaf I have grown Alcantarea for over 15 tips. Blotched pigmentation and variegates years now in the ground and in containers, are reasonably common in cultivation in from seed and offset, through innumerable Brazil, were easy to see on the cliff faces on increases in pot sizes as they expand im- wet, overcast days. pressively towards their mature dimensions Climbing to the peak of Mt Sino in and flowering. Every re-pot of course you the Organ Mountains, above Petropolis, re-centre and align your plant to no avail, Alcantarea imperiali s dropped out at about they invariably lean to one side of the pot. 2,000m (although there were still Vrieseas at Rotating the plants as they grow minimises the 2,400m peak, a 5 hour walk up). Looking this, but eventually the common phenomenon out along that immense chain of mountains of counter balancing plants with concrete stretching as far as you could see and beyond blocks or bricks to one side of the pot in semi in both directions, each exposed cliff face maturity and maturity, reinforces the point, plastered in Alcantareas. After coping with Alcantarea lean!? the enormity of the view, it made me think of In May this year I had the opportunity two things, first the diversity within a species to visit Brazil specifically Rio de Janeiro and possible from wild collected seed, and the di- Mina Geritas States, and visit a number of versity of Alcantarea species certainly not yet Alcantarea species growing in habitat. This scientifically described as reflected in some habitat unbelievably is granite cliff faces of the ‘different, non-conforming forms’ of exclusively, and in great numbers. Alcantarea we grow at home “all leaning of On closer inspection, I realised that course’, probably from seed sent from here Bromeliaceae 24 May/June 2008 Til. ionantha Til. vernicosa

Til. fasciculata Til. jalisco-monticola

Bromeliaceae 25 May/June 2008 in the 1940s and 1950s. But at least now I that about two/thirds of a page maximum. understand why they lean. The other thing This limit is a preference rather than a hard was that the sun was setting and we will had rule. to get down, that’s when we started to run. Just as a suggestion, maybe a couple of readers might like to write an article about some growing some of the unusual brome- Have you thought liads. A while back an article was sent in about writing for this about the growing of bromeliads in a country area and the particular difficulties associated journal? with that. Another suggestion for a topic is to One of the most difficult parts to pro - write about what is it about the growing of ducing this journal is not getting the major bromeliads that holds your attention. feature articles, rather it’s getting the short ar- Illustrations in electronic format are ticles to fill up a half or a third of a column. welcome From experience I know that the This short articles are usually greatly illustrations are a reader favourite. As a keen appreciated by the readers. The challenge photographer I am always keen to see other that I am issuing is readers is to write a short peoples photos. It’s important that if you send article on a subject of their choosing. in photos that you take care to ensure that you The articles should not take up no more have the plant correctly identified. Calendar of Events

5th July - Bromeliad Seminar - 9AM to 4PM, core time 10AM to 3PM, Pamela Koides, the owner of the Birdrock Tropicals nursery in the United States, has agreed to be the keynote speaker for this event. Bring your own lunch- see advert page 45 page in the Mar/Apr 2008 edition of Bromeliaceae for more details 23rd August - BSQ Bus Trip - Departing Uniting Hall 52 Methyr Rd, New Farm 8.00AM, Pickup Palmdale Shopping Centre, Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt 8.15AM arrive back 4.30-5.00PM.- Price $20 - Plants on sale -For further information contact: Ruth - 3208 0546 after 4 PM or Bev - 3208 7417 11th October Stockade Nursery Open Day - 9-12 AM 70 Wades Road, Bellmere, Qld. See ad on page 7 for details 4th December - BSQ Christmas Party - Lakeside Gardens, Mt Cootha - Camellia Room. Because of the increasing numbers of members attending the party the manage- ment committee has decided that we should break with tradition with the choice of venue. Another alteration will be the necessity to buy tickets in advance for the party because to aid the caterers in making sure the event is well supplied with food. BROMADELAIDE 2009 - 2009 Easter weekend - see ad in Bromeliaceae (March/April – Pg 36) for details

GENERAL MEETINGS of the Society are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month except for December, at the Uniting Hall, 52 Merthyr Rd., New Farm, Brisbane, commenc- ing 7.30 pm. Classes for beginners commence at 7.00 pm. Bromeliaceae 26 May/June 2008 Plant of the Month Programme for 2008 FEBRUARY: Ananus, Intergeneric Plants, Tillandsias and Full-sun Neoregelias. MARCH: Cryptanthus, Tillandsias, Full-sun Aechmeas and Canistrums APRIL: Cryptanthus, Tillandsias MAY: Spotted Neoregelias, Orthophytums, Tillandsias and Variegated Bromeliads JUNE: Alcantareas, Foliage Vrieseas, Dyckias, Hechtias and Asterias JULY: Billbergias, Pitcairnias, Cerepegias, Hoyas, Nidulariums and Agaves. AUGUST: Billbergias, Foliage Vrieseas, and Miniature Neoregelias. SEPTEMBER: Billbergias and Guzmanias. OCTOBER: Vrieseas, Neoregelias, Nidulariums, Guzmanias and Crassulaceae. NOVEMBER: Not often seen Bromeliads and Succulents Competition Schedule for 2008

Novice, Intermediate and Advanced in each Class of the Mini-Shows and in the Popular Vote. January: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Aechmea - species and hybrids Class 2: Vriesea - species and hybrids Class 3: Dyckia - species and hybrids Class 4: Any Other Mature (flowering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. February : POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display March: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display April: MINI-SHOW Class 1:Bromelioideae not listed elsewhere in the schedule – species and hybrids. Class 2: Guzmania - species and hybrids Class 3: Pitcairnia and Pepinia - species and hybrids Class 4: Any Other Mature (flowering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. May: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display June: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display

July: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Billbergia - species and hybrids Class 2: Tillandsioideae not listed elsewhere in the schedule – species and hybrids. Class 3: Neoregelia - species and hybrids – up to 200mm diameter when mature. Class 4: Any Other Mature (flowering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. August: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display September: POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display October: MINI-SHOW Class 1: Neoregelia - species and hybrids – over 200mm diameter when mature. Class 2: Tillandsia - species and hybrids. Class 3: Pitcairnioideae not listed elsewhere in the schedule – species and hybrids. Class 4: Any Other Mature (flowering) Bromeliad - species and hybrids. November : POPULAR VOTE: Any Genus – species or hybrid, Novelty Bromeliad Display

Note 1: Class 4 in each Mini Show schedule provides for any flowering bromeliad that would not be in its prime for the appropriate Mini Show. Note 2: Class 1 (April), Class 2 (July) and Class 3 (October) provide for plants from these subfamilies not elsewhere included in the Mini Show schedule.

Bromeliaceae 27 May/June 2008 Guzmania squarrosa

Bromeliaceae 28 May/June 2008